Andy Coulson: Early Prison Release for Disgraced News of the World Editor

Andy Coulson is to be freed from prison after serving part of his sentence for phone hacking, provided he wears an electronic tag

The ex-Editor of the News of the World, who was also PM David Cameron's former press chief, is in line for release from HMP Hollesley Bay jail after serving only five months of his 18 month tariff.

The 46-year-old is being released from the open prison on license.

But Coulson faces more legal proceedings almost as soon as steps out of the prison. He is due to stand trial in Scotland for perjury, in a case involving Tommy Sheridan, the firebrand socialist, over allegations Coulson lied under oath in 2010.

There have been conflicting reports about Coulson's time in prison for phone hacking. According to some inmates Coulson was beaten up behind bars, while there are other accounts of him lording it up in designer gear and bantering with fellow inmates.

Concerns were raised about how long he spent in maximum security Belmarsh prison after his conviction in July. Friends of the disgraced Fleet Street editor said he did not belong in such tough conditions.