SAS sniper Danny Nightingale, who was jailed for illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition, today thanked "the world for being so kind" as he was freed after winning an appeal.
Sergeant Danny Nightingale was sentenced to 18 months military detention earlier this month by a judge sitting in a military court.
He admitted illegally possessing a Glock 9mm pistol and more than 300 rounds of ammunition at a court martial.
Three judges - Lord Chief Justice Lord Judge, Mr Justice Fulford and Mr Justice Bean - heard legal argument at a hearing in the Court Martial Appeal Court in London.
Danny Nightingale was sentenced to 18 months military detention earlier this month by a judge sitting in a military court
Appeal judges said Sgt Nightingale's sentence would be cut from 18 months to 12 months and suspended.
They said he could be released immediately.
Leaving court he thanked his wife and family and friends and legal team.
"I think they've been amazingly courageous, I think they have been very dignified in what they've done and I am thankful," he said.
"Thank you to the world for being so kind."
Sgt Nightingale's wife Sally, 38, wept at the verdict.
She was lost for words but nodded when asked if she was "thrilled."
She later added: "I didn't dare to dream that this would be the outcome but it's great."