A lying paedophile who persuaded police a murderous VIP Westminster child abuse ring existed has been freed from prison after serving under half his sentence.

Conman and fraudster Carl “Nick” Beech, 58, transferred to an undisclosed West Country probation hostel last week following seven years and four months of his 18-year sentence behind bars.

The Ministry of Justice released him to alleviate pressure on Britain’s overcrowded prisons.

In 2014, the father-of-one caused a political storm when he unleashed a series of allegations targeting politicians, generals and senior intelligence services figures.

According to reports, the Ministry of Justice has not clarified whether Beech has now acknowledged fabricating the VIP abuse ring claims.

Beech asserted he suffered abuse from a demonic sex ring operating during the late 1970s and early 1980s, claiming he witnessed three child murders committed by the same group’s members.

Multi-million pound investigation

Police assigned him the pseudonym “Nick” protecting his identity as the case proceeded to trial – lasting 18 months with him serving as star witness – following a £2.5million police investigation.

The mythomaniac successfully deceived Scotland Yard detectives, journalists and former Labour deputy leader (now Lord) Tom Watson.

His lies eventually unraveled, resulting in his July 2019 conviction and sentencing.

Subsequently, the Metropolitan Police was compelled to apologise and provide compensation regarding its handling of “Nick’s” allegations.

His sentence comprised 16-and-a-half years for fraud and perverting the course of justice, with 18 months for possessing child abuse images.

He admitted guilt to child sexual offences during a separate Newcastle crown court trial before denying them in his subsequent, lengthier trial.

Early release

Beech’s original release date was October 1, 2027, but Labour government sentencing policy modifications brought his release forward to this month.

The majority of his imprisonment occurred at Garth jail, a Category B closed Lancashire prison.

High-profile victims

Former home secretary Leon Brittan and retired Armed Forces chief Field Marshal Lord Bramall numbered among those falsely accused and subjected to police house raids.

Sir Edward Heath, British Prime Minister from 1970 to 1974, also faced accusations from his fabrications, including torture allegations involving wasps and snakes.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told The Sun Beech was released under supervision from the probation service.

They stated: “Carl Beech’s crimes were shocking and had far-reaching consequences, and our thoughts remain with all those affected. Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and can be returned to prison immediately if they breach them.”

Beech is a former school governors board chairman and paediatric nurse.

During his 2019 court sentencing, Mr Justice Goss characterised him as “intelligent, resourceful, manipulative and devious.”