Former federal court judge Marcus Einfeld wants to devote himself to prison reform after walking free from a two-year prison sentence.
The 72-year-old was sentenced to three years' jail with a non-parole period of two years, after he was found guilty of lying in court over a $77 speeding fine.
Mr Einfeld, dressed in a smart suit, walked free from Silverwater jail on Saturday morning, stopping on the way out to tell media he was grateful to family and friends who had supported him during what had been "the worst period in my life".
"I'm desperately sorry for letting them and the community down so badly," he said.
"I've certainly learned a very painful lesson."
While in prison hundreds of outsiders, mostly strangers, wrote to him and sent books and crossword puzzles.
"Some people apparently like me," he said.
Fellow inmates and prison staff at Silverwater also showed him kindness and respect while he was behind bars, he added.
He now wants to return to public work, and devote himself to "serious prison reform".
"Subject to recovering my health I propose to return to my public work to which I have devoted so much of my life," he said.
Prison reform work he wants to be involved with would include looking at mental health problems, such as depression among prisoners.
Mr Einfeld's immediate priority on Saturday was to see his 98-year-old mother, who he said was anxious to see him.
"I also want to have a decent cup of tea and go to a few Roosters games," he said.
Under conditions of his release, Mr Enfield will have to report to a parole officer for another year.
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