GILLINGHAM striker Marlon King is enjoying his freedom again after being released from jail nine months early (Janine Nolan writes).

At a hearing at London's Court of Appeal, King's sentence was reduced from 18 months to nine months, allowing him to walk free immediately.

The 22-year-old striker was released from Stanford Hill open prison on Sheppey. He was convicted of handling stolen goods in March but was finally sentenced in May after he was acquitted of assaulting a police officer.

During the trial, at the Inner London Crown Court, the jury heard how King had been caught driving a stolen BMW. He denied the charge and said he bought it off a man for £15,000.

He is now reunited with relatives and members of the Gillingham FC staff. Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler told the club's official website: "We're obviously delighted. Hopefully he'll come out a better person and will be allowed to get on with his career.

"He has said he owes the club a lot and is desperate to prove himself again."