The curious case of a prisoner “aged” 121 caused red faces at a court hearing.

Burglar Billy Williams, who has the date of his birthday, December 24, 1988, on his neck, was due to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.

But it created a puzzle for staff at Elmley Prison, Eastchurch, when the details given for Williams’ court appearance did not add up.

The prison service failed to get him there in time after an error in a list sent by the court to the Isle of Sheppey prison stated that the Billy Williams due to appear was born on December 24, 1888.

As 121-year-old prisoners are somewhat rare, the mistake was soon spotted. But not before the court hearing was under way – leaving Williams’ barrister to offer the bizarre explanation.

“It is a very difficult mistake to make considering he has his date of birth tattooed on his neck,” said Iain Reed.

Mr Reed’s request to adjourn the case for a week was refused by Judge Jeremy Gold QC and 21-year-old Williams was brought to court by lunchtime. His tattoo was just visible above his shirt collar.

Williams, from Maidstone, admitted burglary, and also asked for other offences to be taken into consideration. He was jailed for two years.

Williams and an un-named accomplice had broken into a house at Cranbrook, near Maidstone, while the occupants, including four children, were asleep.