Jonathan King freed from prison

King says he intends to resume his career in music

Pop mogul Jonathan King has been freed from prison after serving half his seven-year term for sex crimes.

As he left Maidstone Prison he said: "I'm totally, absolutely 100% innocent" and added his lawyer had "guaranteed" he would be cleared on appeal.

As supporters handed out free copies of King's new CD, he told reporters he had "enjoyed" his time in prison.

King, 60, was jailed in 2001 for four indecent assaults and two serious sexual offences on boys aged 14 and 15.

He smiled and gave the thumbs up as he left the prison in Kent on Tuesday morning.

Future plans

He said: "I've had a brilliant three-and-a-half years for crimes I did not commit.

"I'm innocent of the charges against me. There is no issue of the acts being consensual, there were no acts. However much people try, you can't bend the truth.

"There's no truth in the offences whatsoever. One of the five men I am accused of abusing I have never even met and there is no evidence I ever did meet him."

I'm totally, absolutely, 100% innocent Jonathan King Watch his comments

King will be banned from working with children, must stay at a specified address and not receive visits from anyone under 18 without police permission, his lawyer Giovanni de Stefano said.

"He's a man with talent and talent shines. Many great people suffer what he's suffered and just get on with their lives," he said.

Mr di Stefano said his client intends to write a musical about Cole Porter. King has also said he will campaign for people falsely accused of crimes.

King was charged for offences committed between 1983 and 1989 after an investigation by Surrey Police.

He denied the charges at his trial and has never admitted his guilt.

The former pop mogul said he had been "fascinated" by life in prison.

"You meet fascinating people and get to see the other side of the world, one that you never knew existed.

"Like most people, I had the view that once the prison gate slams shut, hell takes place, but the reality couldn't be further from the truth.

"I have had no complaints at all about my time inside, apart from the food at Broadmoor."