Paul Lemmon, the Canadian stock broker who was sentenced in February to 21 months in jail for his part in a securities fraud, is not yet in prison.

Mr Lemmon contacted The Royal Gazette last week to protest a report that he was "locked up" and it has emerged that his sentence is not due to begin until August 15, 2003.

The US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida explained that it is quite common for defendants not to be immediately jailed after sentencing. If they are not considered a flight risk, or if they have to sort out their personal affairs, then they are allowed to present themselves for imprisonment at a later date.

However if they fail to appear at the prison on the appointed date, they are treated as fugitives. Mr Lemmon, who has cut a plea deal with the US Department of Justice, is due to appear as a witness for the prosecution in the trial of his former associate Mark Valentine which is due to commence in Florida on March 24.