Shamed Inverness councillor released from prison
Shamed former Inverness councillor John Holden has been released from jail.
He walked free from HM Porterfield, Inverness, on Friday, having served just three months of a one-year jail sentence after being found guilty of benefit fraud.
He now intends to clear his name and has taken on top QC Aamer Anwar to appeal his conviction. Appeal papers have already been lodged.
After being released, he said he was glad to be out of jail and it was not an experience he would like to repeat.
The former Inverness South councillor is subject to an overnight curfew, meaning he must be in his home in Teal Avenue, Drakies, between 7.30pm and 7.30am every day.
Holden was found guilty of claiming Income Support, Council Tax benefit and single occupancy discount, totalling £43,000, he was not entitled to, between 1998 and 2008.
He was automatically banned from serving on Highland Council for five years as a result of his sentence.
He is due to return to Inverness Sheriff Court next month to face a proceeds of crime hearing, where the Crown will attempt to claw back money he falsely obtained.
