A COMPUTER hacker who helped spread a virus that infected thousands of computers worldwide was freed early from a six-month prison sentence yesterday.

Andrew Harvey, 24, of Sherburn, near Durham City, was jailed along with Jordan Bradley, 22, of Darlington, at Newcastle Crown Court on October 7.

The court had heard they were part of a conspiracy that spread a "worm" to computers.

Both admitted conspiracy to cause unauthorised modification of computers with intent between December 2001 and February 2003.

Yesterday, at the Court of Appeal in London, Harvey, who was not present, successfully appealed against the length of his sentence.

Mrs Justice Rafferty, sitting with another senior judge, said the sentencing exercise carried out by Judge Beatrice Bolton at the Crown Court was unimpeachable.

But she said the court was prepared to reduce his sentence - effectively freeing him immediately - after receiving a written plea explaining that Harvey's mother was unwell.

"As a matter of clearly expressed mercy, and for no other reason, we quash the sentence of six months and substitute one of two months which, for the avoidance of doubt, is intended to secure this appellant's immediate release," she said.

Bradley, who did not appeal against his three-month sentence, is understood to have also been released yesterday under the electronic tagging scheme.

Harvey's counsel, Robin Patton, told the judges that it may be that his job with a computer firm - a "lawful use of his obvious talents" - was still available to him.