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.

He was jailed again in 2001 after he voluntarily returned to prison from Brazil - which has no extradition treaty with the UK - after being on the run for 35 years.

Biggs also evaded authorities in Australia and Paris.

His lawyer Giovanni Di Stefano says that the Ministry of Justice has sent Bigg's case to the Parole Board, and he will be considered for release in July 2009.

Mr Di Stefano said the time Biggs spent in custody in Brazil and Barbados has not been accounted for and he will "press them on this as it would make his release date on parole December 2008".

Mr Di Stefano says that "case law demands that Mr Biggs be treated in accordance with the law at that time, namely parole consideration at the one third stage".

He added that Biggs' co-defendants benefited by the scheme.

Mr Di Stefano has said of his client: "He's served 10 years, he's not got away with anything. He's an old man, he can't walk, he can't talk, he's no harm to anyone."

It is understood Biggs, who is being held at Norwich Prison - could be released as early as next July.

Biggs was a member of the 15-strong gang that robbed £2.6 million in used bank notes from a Glasgow to London mail train on August 8, 1963.

During the robbery, the train driver was struck on the head and was badly injured.

A bid to appeal against his 20-year-jail term was dismissed in October 2004.

It is understood Biggs, married to Raimunda Rothen, has suffered two strokes and has facial paralysis, which means he cannot eat or speak.

(DS)