Essex: Disgraced peer Lord Hanningfield released after nine weeks

DISGRACED Tory peer Lord Hanningfield has been released from prison after serving just nine weeks of his nine month sentence.

The former leader of Essex County Council, real name Paul White, was released from prison a few days ago.

The details of his early release have not been made public but it is understood that he is on a home curfew scheme.

Lord Hanningfield, 70, was jailed in early July for fraudulently claiming about �14,000 worth of expenses from the House of Lords.

After being found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court Lord Hanningfield, who lives in West Hanningfield near Billericay, lost his seat on Essex County Council.

He is still under investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate for alleged misuse of the council’s credit card during his time as leader.

A by-election for his former seat of Stock was won by the Conservative Ian Grundy.