A British thief who stole £300,000 worth of Bitcoin during a frightening knife-point robbery has been released early from a notorious prison in Bali.

Greg Simpson, a disgraced former soldier who served in Afghanistan with the London Regiment, was imprisoned in 2022 for kidnapping and robbery. He was involved in tying up Italians Principe Nerini, 40, and his wife Camilla Guadagnuolo at their Seminyak residence in November 2021.

Simpson was part of a group of four who stole 5.8 billion Indonesian Rupiahs, equivalent to £300,000, during the robbery. While Simpson and his alleged accomplice Nicola Disanto were arrested, the other two members of the gang were never located. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto granted Simpson freedom as part of the country’s independence festivities.

Exclusive images acquired by the Mirror reveal Simpson departing the Kerobokan prison, which houses 320 inmates, a facility known for its violent internal gangs. Simpson appeared in good health as he left the prison and was escorted by immigration officials to a temporary detention cell.

Although Simpson’s actions were condemned, Indonesian authorities are keen on reducing the overcrowded prison population, making it easier to release foreign inmates. The prison chief, Hudi Ismono, mentioned that Simpson was one of three British prisoners granted sentence reductions for good behavior on Indonesian Independence Day.

Simpson had received sentence reductions on Independence Day and Christmas for maintaining good conduct during his imprisonment. He was released with minimal belongings, consisting only of his clothes.

While several British prisoners anticipated release, only a few, including Lindsay Sandiford and Thomas Parker, received sentence reductions or freedom. Indonesia has been easing its stringent anti-drug laws, leading to the release of several drug convicts, including Callum James Park.

In summary, the Indonesian authorities have recently shown leniency towards certain prisoners, granting reductions in sentences based on good behavior and changes in the law.