LOST star MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ has been released early from prison - because it was overcrowded.

The actress was sentenced to 180 days in jail after violating her probation for driving under the influence. She had admitted failing to complete community service after submitting a false document to show she carried out the work on 25 September (07).

The 29-year-old was also found to have consumed alcohol on at least three occasions while wearing a monitoring bracelet around her ankle, in violation of a probation requirement she refrain from drinking for 90 days.

Rodriguez booked herself into the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, Los Angeles on 24 December (07), but was released on Wednesday (09Jan08) after serving just 17 days.

According to website TMZ.com, Rodriguez was released due to severe overcrowding at the prison, despite the judge who sentenced the actress ordering her to complete the full term.