After eight years in prison for multiple child abuse, former pop star Gary Glitter has been released, according to British media reports. The 78-year-old left prison on Friday after serving half of his sentence, the PA news agency reported, citing its own information.

He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in February 2015 for several cases dating back to the 1970s. In the UK it is common for a halfway sentence to be suspended on probation.

The Sun and Daily Mail newspapers reported that strict conditions had been imposed on Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd. He must wear an electronic tag, give the authorities a week's notice of foreign travel and if he is in a relationship with a person who has a minor child.

The former glam rock star had a lot to do with singles like "Rock and Roll (Parts 1