Ex-News of the World editor Andy Coulson has been released from prison less than five months into his 18-month sentence for phone hacking.
The former Downing Street communications boss left Hollesley Bay, an open prison in Suffolk, on Friday morning.
Coulson, 46, has served less than five months of an 18-month term imposed in July after he was found guilty of conspiring to intercept voicemails at the now-defunct Sunday tabloid following an eight-month trial at the Old Bailey.
It is understood Coulson will have to wear an electronic tag until he has served half of his full sentence as a condition of his early release.
The Ministry of Justice declined to comment on an individual prisoner but said inmates can be released under home detention arrangements before they have served half of their term.
A spokesman said: "Public protection is our first priority. Only prisoners who pass a strict risk assessment can be released on home detention curfew (HDC).
"Offenders on HDC are subject to strict licence conditions and can be recalled to prison if they breach them."
Prisoners can be considered for HDC if they are serving a sentence of more than three months and less than four years and have served a quarter of their sentence.
Coulson was previously held at HMP Belmarsh in south east London but it was reported in September that he was moved to Hollesley Bay to serve the rest of his term.
Public reaction to Coulson's release was largely negative, with many questioning the efficacy of the justice system.
Others were worried about letting a convicted criminal back on to the streets:
While some have already began contemplating the reason for his release:
Some even think the release may have been orchestrated by No. 10:
READ MORE:
- Andy Coulson And Rebekah Brooks Had Phones Hacked By NotW Journalist, Clive Goodman Says
- Andy Coulson: My Affair With Rebekah Brooks Was 'Wrong', Phone Hacking Trial Hears
- Phone-Hacking Trial: Andy Coulson And Rebekah Brooks Affair Ran Until He Quit Paper, Court Hears
- David Cameron Accused By Ed Miliband Of 'Bringing Criminal Into Heart Of Downing Street' By Hiring Andy Coulson As Spin Doctor
- Rebekah Brooks Not Guilty Of Phone Hacking Charges, Andy Coulson Guilty
- Rebekah Brooks Husband Tells Coulson: 'I'm Very Sorry, Andy. I'm Sad'
- Andy Coulson Blames Lawyers For Not Telling Him Phone Hacking Was A Crime, Old Bailey Hears
- Andy Coulson Sentenced To 18 Months In Prison For Phone Hacking
- Piers Morgan Says His Visit To See Andy Coulson In Belmarsh Prison Is 'No Secret'