My friend has just gone to prison for 32 months for a sexual offence and has been told has to serve half of it is there any way he can get out any earlier and when could he get out

In The UK, for a sentence under 48 months the norm is to serve half and then the rest is on "licence".

Occasionally, depending on the severity of the crime and the inmate behaviour, tagging maybe an option two months before the halfway mark.
So, assuming they do EXACTLY as they are told, they could be out, on tag, after 14 months. Otherwise is is likely to be at 16 months.

Thanks for that his solicitor told another friend that he should be out in 10 to 12 months wich I don't really understand

Which is why he needs to keep in contact with his solicitor and follow up with any programs they may have while in.