Boxer Scott Harrison released from Spanish jail

By James Bryce

SHAMED Scottish boxer Scott Harrison is a free man after being released from a Costa del Sol prison.

Harrison, 34, walked free from the notorious Botafuego jail near Algeciras after serving two and a half years for assaulting a policeman, and factory worker Jose Manuel Ortega in 2006.

The former WBO title holder was jailed in 2009 for the assault – which took place in Alhaurin el Grande – but could still face extra jail time for another alleged attack in a Costa del Sol brothel in May 2007.

He and cousins David McGill, 37, and Edward McGill, 39, were accused of battering bar boss Rafael Sainz Maza, 31, with Harrison facing three counts of assault.

Following his release on Saturday, the Glaswegian spent time with his family at an apartment in Estepona’s Albayt Resort before strolling along Bermuda Beach with his fiancee Stacey Gardner, 27, and two-year-old son Jack.

The father-of-three returned to the UK on Sunday, flying from Gibraltar in a possible bid to avoid the Spanish airport authorities.

In 2009, Harrison told the Olive Press of his determination to rebuild his career once he was released.

“I can tell you now that Scott Harrison will be back. I want to repay the fans for the faith they have shown in me,” he said.

“I have never been so focussed and determined in my entire life. Being locked up helps develop that.

“I’ll have a clean slate – a new start and the determination to show everyone I’m back.”