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07/08/2009
Great Train Robber Released
Ronnie Biggs has been formally released from prison today on compassionate grounds.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that prison staff have left Biggs's bedside at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where he is being treated for pneumonia.
He was convicted for his role in the infamous robbery of 1963, where a 15-strong gang stole £2.6 million from a train in Buckinghamshire.
Biggs was jailed for 30 years, but escaped from Wandsworth Prison in London 15 months later.
He subsequently went on the run in Australia and Brazil, but voluntarily handed himself in to British police in 2001.
Last month the Justice Secretary rejected Bigg's application for parole, claiming he was "wholly unrepentant" for his crimes.
However, in a u-turn, Mr Straw announced he had agreed to release Biggs based on "different considerations".
Mr Straw said the medical evidence clearly showed "that Mr Biggs is very ill and that his condition has deteriorated recently, culminating in his readmission to hospital".
He added: "His condition is not expected to improve.
"It is for that reason that I am granting Mr Biggs compassionate release on medical grounds."
(JM/BMcc)
Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday approved the Great Train Robber's release. Biggs - who turns 80 tomorrow - is severely ill with pneumonia was told he is unlikely to recover.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed that prison staff have left Biggs's bedside at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where he is being treated for pneumonia.
He was convicted for his role in the infamous robbery of 1963, where a 15-strong gang stole £2.6 million from a train in Buckinghamshire.
Biggs was jailed for 30 years, but escaped from Wandsworth Prison in London 15 months later.
He subsequently went on the run in Australia and Brazil, but voluntarily handed himself in to British police in 2001.
Last month the Justice Secretary rejected Bigg's application for parole, claiming he was "wholly unrepentant" for his crimes.
However, in a u-turn, Mr Straw announced he had agreed to release Biggs based on "different considerations".
Mr Straw said the medical evidence clearly showed "that Mr Biggs is very ill and that his condition has deteriorated recently, culminating in his readmission to hospital".
He added: "His condition is not expected to improve.
"It is for that reason that I am granting Mr Biggs compassionate release on medical grounds."
(JM/BMcc)
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26 June 2008
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Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
Great Escape On The Cards For Infamous Train Robber
Infamous train robber, Ronnie Biggs, could be freed from jail in a year, his lawyer has said. Biggs, 78, was sentenced to 30 years for the 1963 robbery, but escaped Wandsworth prison by scaling a rope ladder, after 15 months.
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Biggs To Appeal Against Parole Decision
Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs is to appeal against the government's decision to refuse him parole. Lawyers for 79-year-old Biggs, who is suffering from pneumonia after breaking his hip in a fall, said they would be seeking a judicial review of the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw's decision.
Biggs To Appeal Against Parole Decision
Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs is to appeal against the government's decision to refuse him parole. Lawyers for 79-year-old Biggs, who is suffering from pneumonia after breaking his hip in a fall, said they would be seeking a judicial review of the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw's decision.
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Scotland's crime victims to be notified of prisoner releases
For the first time victims of serious crime in Scotland will be informed of the eligibility for home release or day release of prisoners. This is in addition to the opportunity for victims of serious crime to make representations to the Parole Board for Scotland when the prisoner is being considered for release on licence.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
