A GROOM from Tenbury Wells has been freed from a Slovakian prison, after almost two weeks, just in time for his wedding.

Stephen Mallone was released yesterday lunchtime and is now believed to be making his way back to the UK.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "I can confirm that Mr Mallone was released by the Slovakian authorities at lunchtime today (THURS). He is now free to return to the UK and continue his wedding plans."

Mr Mallone, a self-employed builder, had been on his stag party in Bratislava with 13 friends when he was arrested for allegedly being drunk and disorderly. Unconfirmed reports said the 25-year-old had been caught swimming naked in a public fountain.

Mr Mallone was fast-tracked through Bratislava District Court and sentenced to two months in prison on Saturday, May 26. His father, Chris Mallone, flew out to the Slovakian capital to aide his son and an appeal was immediately launched.

Tenbury MP Bill Wiggin said he was delighted to hear Mr Mallone had now been released.

"I am grateful for the efforts of the British Ambassador and the British Embassy for all their help and I am delighted that this has a happy ending," he said.

Mr Mallone is due to tie the knot with former Tenbury carnival queen Kerry Stokes at St Mary's Church in Tenbury next Friday (JUNE 15). The reception will take place at the Ramada Hotel & Resort at Bewdley. It is reported that up to 250 guests from across the globe are expected at the wedding, which has allegedly cost the couple £20,000.

Bryan Pugh, known as Pughy, who lives in Tenbury, said he was "thrilled" to hear Mr Mallone had been released.

The 68-year-old, ran the Bridge Hotel on Teme Street for 36 years and knows Mr Mallone well from him being a customer at his pub - and for when he played football for Tenbury United.

"He is a nice lad and if there was any way I could help I would," he said. "I saw Kerry's mum Jacqui this morning and she was worried to death about it all. She was just very concerned about his welfare."

Mr Pugh said the family had been waiting on the decision of yesterday's court hearing before deciding what do do next - and were even considering a campaign to release him if that failed.

"It was only a bit of tomfoolery and a bit of fun I'm sure," he said. "He just did the wrong thing at the wrong time. Everyone has done something silly when they are drunk.

"But I'm just pleased a punch. I'm ever so chuffed that he has now been released.

"It will be a fairytale with a happy ending and I just hope it all goes alright for them both."

Miss Stokes, 22, who is set to travel to Butlin's at Minehead with a group of friends this weekend for her hen party, was not available to comment as the Worcester News went to press.