Timeshare fraudster freed early

Palmer was released early for good behaviour

Bath timeshare fraudster John Palmer has been released after serving half of an eight-year sentence.

Palmer was jailed for his part in a £33m holiday home scam in the Canaries. Many of his 16,000 victims were pensioners.

Palmer, who was declared bankrupt in May and is being sued by 350 of his victims, was ordered to pay nearly £4m in compensation.

The 55-year-old was released early for good behaviour.

Palmer was accused of being involved in the Brinks-Matt gold bullion robbery in 1983.

Police raided his Bath home and found gold from the £26m robbery in a smelter in the garden, although Palmer was acquitted of any involvement.