UK criminal freed as he is 'too big' for jail beds
Medcalf, who admitted a series of crimes, was ordered to be released as he suffers from a little-known growth disorder, Klinefelter syndrome.
Size does matter! A seven feet two inches tall criminal in the UK has been spared prison because he is too big for jail beds and uniforms.
Jude Medcalf, 23, of Newton Abbot, Devon, committed a spate of crimes after being diagnosed with a rare growth disorder, Exeter Crown Court heard.
Medcalf was too large for prison beds and uniforms, the judge decided.
Medcalf, who admitted a series of crimes, was ordered to be released as he suffers from a little-known growth disorder, Klinefelter syndrome.
He terrified an innocent woman by firing a type of air gun at her through a window, the court was told. He then went on to steal Christmas presents and tea money from an office.
Medcalf was freed from jail after Recorder Adam Vaitilingam was told he had already spent 75 days in custody, the Mirror reported.
He had faced problems throughout his time in custody because there were no beds or uniforms to fit him.
He was given a six-month curfew and 12-month community order after being held in jail on remand.
The court was told Medcalf's chromosomal disorder, which also leaves him with adolescent emotions, was diagnosed last year.
Brian Fitzherbert, prosecuting, told the court that when Medcalf saw his girlfriend calling the police after he had attacked an acquaintance's car in Torquay, he fired the air gun at her, which cracked a window.
She did not know whether the gun was real and feared for her life, the court heard.
Medcalf admitted possession of an imitation firearm and a bladed article, criminal damage and burglary at an earlier hearing.
He had been remanded in custody for sentencing.
William Parkhill, defending, said Medcalf had been unable to access the specialist medical and psychiatric treatment he needed since his "tragic" diagnosis.