Why was Rolf Harris sneaked out of Stafford Prison?

The 87-year-old former entertainer was released from Stafford Prison yesterday – but managed to evade press who had camped outside all night.

He is thought to have exited the jail using a back entrance and was later pictured arriving at his home in Berkshire with security in tow.

Members of the press – including the Express & Star – had gathered from the small hours to try to catch a glimpse of Harris leaving prison after it was confirmed he was due to leave.

However, the former entertainer managed to slip out of a back door at around 5am.

A member of prison staff came out to address the assembled press pack just before 9am to announce 'Mr Harris is no longer with us'.

West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge criticised the secrecy with which Harris's release was conducted.

He told the Express & Star: "There should be no special treatment or privilege for anyone.

"We should all be equal according to the law and everyone should be treated the same.

"People should be treated according to their misdemeanours otherwise the system becomes a laughing stock. I'm disappointed by this special treatment."

The Ministry of Justice was asked to comment on why Harris was sneaked out of the prison.

However, they refused to answer yesterday – citing election purdah rules and Harris's ongoing trial.

Harris's release means the Australian-born star will be able to appear in person, on bail, when his indecent assault trial resumes on Monday at Southwark Crown Court.

The trial did not sit yesterday.

Harris, who denies four charges of indecent assault against three women between 1971 and 1983, had previously appeared via video link.

Jurors at Southwark Crown Court have been told during the trial Harris had already been convicted and sentenced for other offences in 2014.

Judge Deborah Taylor told jurors on Thursday: "He (Harris) will no longer be appearing in the court via video link and he will be attending what remains of his trial in person next week."