LA official defends Richie's short jail stint

A Los Angeles official has insisted that Nicole Richie's early release from jail was not a result of special treatment.

The Simple Life star reported to Lynwood, California's Century Regional Detention Facility, at 3.15pm on Thursday to serve a four-day sentence. However, she was released at 4.37pm, 82 minutes later.

"The sheriff wants everyone to do 100-per-cent of their time. Unfortunately, the facilities we have, and the capacity we have as mandated by the federal court, doesn't allow us to do that," Los Angeles County Undersheriff, Larry Waldie, told Reuters. He added that Richie was "treated like any other prisoner".

Richie received her four-day sentence last month, after pleading guilty to driving under the influence of drugs.