(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Lindsay Lohan has been released from prison after spending just four-and-a-half hours behind bars.

Last week the actress was told to report to the jail by November 9, after pleading guilty to violating her probation. She was sentenced to 30 days and checked into the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California, last night.

TMZ are now reporting the 25-year-old has already been allowed to go free.

"Lindsay Lohan has been released from jail - a mere 4.5 hours after she checked in," the site reports. "She was released at approximately 1.30am."

It had previously been reported the star was unlikely to serve out her full sentence due to prison overcrowding.

Lindsay pleaded no contest to stealing a necklace from a luxury boutique earlier this year. As part of her sentence she was ordered to complete community service at a women's shelter in Los Angeles, but didn't show up when she should have.

As well as the jail time, she's been ordered to work at a morgue and attend psychotherapy session. Judge Stephanie Sautner has laid out a strict regime for her, and if she doesn't comply Lindsay faces 300 days in prison.

It's not the first time the star has completed a short prison spell.

In 2007 she was sentenced to one day in jail after pleading guilty to misdemeanour cocaine use and driving under the influence (DUI), but only served 84 minutes.

Last year her probation stemming from a DUI conviction was also revoked and she spent 14 days inside, after being sentenced to 90 days. (C) Cover Media