Anthony Richardson impersonates the real Elvis Presley

Anthony Richardson - stage name Johny Ricco - has until 1600 GMT Thursday to surrender to police after Appeal Court judges ruled a non-custodial sentence handed to him last November was "unduly lenient".

Richardson, 42, of Worksop, Nottinghamshire, was originally sentenced to 100 hours community service and a year's probation.

Lord Justice Kay ordered the entertainer, who was not present at the hearing in London, to give himself up to Worksop Police.

The case had been referred to the Appeal Court by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith QC, who argued successfully that Richardson's original sentence was far too lenient.

I am not saying just because of his impersonation of Elvis Presley he should be treated any differently Sarah Munro, lawyer

At a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on 6 November last year, Richardson pleaded guilty to four counts of supplying ecstasy and one of possessing the drug with intent to supply.

Giving the Appeal Court's ruling, Lord Justice Kay said the Crown Court judge made "a radical departure" in not jailing Richardson in the first place.

He said he recognised the Elvis impersonator had used his skills in a positive way by doing shows for charity, but the judge had not been justified in letting him walk free.

Lord Justice Kay, who was sitting with Judge Peter Openshaw and Mr Justice Royce, said the sentence was "simply wrong".

He added the newly-imposed two-year term was on the low side in recognition of the fact that Richardson had completed his 100 hours community service conscientiously and quickly.

'Passing resemblance'

Earlier in the hearing, there was a light moment when Richardson's barrister, Sarah Munro, handed up publicity photographs of her client as Elvis to show how he had used his talents to benefit charity.

Ms Munro told the judge: "I am not saying just because of his impersonation of Elvis Presley he should be treated any differently..."

Smiling as he interrupted, Lord Justice Kay jokingly asked: "You don't think this should be counted as an aggravating feature?"

Then he brought more laughter in court as he added: "Unlike some Elvis impersonators, he does bear a passing resemblance."