Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson has this morning been released from prison.

The ex Downing Street communications boss, of Wood Vale, Forest Hill, left open prison Hollesley Bay in Suffolk after serving less than five months of an 18 month jail term imposed in July.

Coulson was found guilty of conspiring to intercept voicemails at the now-defunct Sunday tabloid after a well-publicised 18 month Old Bailey trial.

It is understood that the condition of his early release will require him to wear an electronic tag until he has served half of his full sentence.

Coulson was previously held at south-east London’s HMP Belmarsh but it was reported in September that he was transported to Hollesley Bay to serve the remainder of his term.