/ 7 June 2007

UK reveller freed from Slovak jail for wedding

A British stag-party reveller nearly missed his wedding after getting into deep water with Slovakian authorities when he swam naked in a city centre fountain.

Stephen Mallone (25), who is due to get married in a few days, was sentenced to two months in prison at the end of May by a Bratislava court.

But following pleas by his parents and British diplomats, the self-employed builder from Worcester, central England, was set free on Thursday and looks likely to make it to church on time.

“He was released a few hours ago,” British embassy spokesperson Wendy Roebuck said. “I imagine he is heading straight back to Britain.”

Bratislava has become a popular British stag-night location thanks to the cheap flights to get there and cheap beer on arrival. — AFP