clipped from: www.mail.com   

An Australian who became the first person convicted at an American war crimes trial since World War II was freed from prison on Saturday, after completing his U.S. imposed sentence.

David Hicks, who was captured fighting with the Taliban in Afghanistan in December 2001, pleaded guilty in March to providing material support to al-Qaida after more than five years at at Guantanamo prison and returned to Australia to serve out his sentence.

The 32-year-old former kangaroo skinner was released from South Australia state's Yatala prison. He was met by his father and lawyer and driven away in a civilian car with a police escort. He was
expected to make a statement later Saturday.

His father, Terry, said Hicks was likely to apologize for any inconvenience he has caused and to thank his supporters for helping to secure his release from Guantanamo Bay.

Terry Hicks and lawyer David McLeod said Hicks has been suffering from psychological problems stemming from his long detention at Guantanamo Bay