Menu
02/07/2009
Straw 'Provisionally' Rejects Liverpool Fan's Pardon
A jailed Liverpool football fan has today been provisionally refused a free pardon from the Ministry of Justice.
Michael Shields, 22, was jailed for 15 years for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman following the team's victory in the 2005 Champions League final.
In December, High Court judges ruled Justice Secretary Jack Straw had the power to grant Shields a pardon.
But in a provisional decision, Mr Straw was unable to conclude the 22-year-old was "morally and technically innocent", a Ministry of Justice spokesman said.
Shields, from Edge Hill, Liverpool, who is serving his sentence at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute, in Appleton Thorn, Warrington, has always maintained his innocence.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Justice said: "Following a detailed and careful consideration of all the relevant evidence the Justice Secretary Jack Straw has made a provisional decision that the application for a free pardon from Mr Michael Shields should be refused.
"Mr Straw made his decision in accordance with the High Court judgment of 17 December 2008 indicated that, in order to grant a free pardon, he would have to be satisfied that Mr Shields was morally and technically innocent."
Liverpool city councillor Joe Anderson, who has spearheaded the campaign to free the Reds fan, said: "We have only just heard and I am on my way to see Michael’s parents to discuss it. We're still taking in the news."
Shields was with a group of friends visiting the Golden Sands resort in Varna, Bulgaria, after the club's Champions League win. He was arrested - along with several others - by local police on 30 May 2005, after barman Martin Georgiev was hit on the head with a paving slab.
He suffered a fractured skull.
Another fan, who was not an associate of Shields, faxed a confession to Bulgarian officials - which he later retracted - saying he had committed the crime and that Shields was innocent.
However, the court rejected the admission, saying the details of his account conflicted with testimony from nine witnesses who identified Shields as the culprit.
Shields maintain his innocence and supporters have continued to fight for his release.
(JM/BMcc)
Michael Shields, 22, was jailed for 15 years for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman following the team's victory in the 2005 Champions League final.
In December, High Court judges ruled Justice Secretary Jack Straw had the power to grant Shields a pardon.
But in a provisional decision, Mr Straw was unable to conclude the 22-year-old was "morally and technically innocent", a Ministry of Justice spokesman said.
Shields, from Edge Hill, Liverpool, who is serving his sentence at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute, in Appleton Thorn, Warrington, has always maintained his innocence.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Justice said: "Following a detailed and careful consideration of all the relevant evidence the Justice Secretary Jack Straw has made a provisional decision that the application for a free pardon from Mr Michael Shields should be refused.
"Mr Straw made his decision in accordance with the High Court judgment of 17 December 2008 indicated that, in order to grant a free pardon, he would have to be satisfied that Mr Shields was morally and technically innocent."
Liverpool city councillor Joe Anderson, who has spearheaded the campaign to free the Reds fan, said: "We have only just heard and I am on my way to see Michael’s parents to discuss it. We're still taking in the news."
Shields was with a group of friends visiting the Golden Sands resort in Varna, Bulgaria, after the club's Champions League win. He was arrested - along with several others - by local police on 30 May 2005, after barman Martin Georgiev was hit on the head with a paving slab.
He suffered a fractured skull.
Another fan, who was not an associate of Shields, faxed a confession to Bulgarian officials - which he later retracted - saying he had committed the crime and that Shields was innocent.
However, the court rejected the admission, saying the details of his account conflicted with testimony from nine witnesses who identified Shields as the culprit.
Shields maintain his innocence and supporters have continued to fight for his release.
(JM/BMcc)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 July 2005
Liverpool fan jailed for attempted murder
A Liverpool fan has been sentenced to 15 years in Bulgaria for the attempted murder of a barman, despite another man apparently confessing to the attack. Eighteen-year-old Michael Shields was found guilty of attacking barman Martin Georgiev, 25, by throwing a brick at his head in a takeaway in Varna on May 30.
Liverpool fan jailed for attempted murder
A Liverpool fan has been sentenced to 15 years in Bulgaria for the attempted murder of a barman, despite another man apparently confessing to the attack. Eighteen-year-old Michael Shields was found guilty of attacking barman Martin Georgiev, 25, by throwing a brick at his head in a takeaway in Varna on May 30.
30 March 2010
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
09 September 2009
Jailed Liverpool Fan Granted Pardon
Liverpool fan Michael Shields is set to be released from prison after he was pardoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw. The 22-year-old, who was given a 10-year sentence for the attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria, in 2005, has won a four-and-a-half-year fight to clear his name.
Jailed Liverpool Fan Granted Pardon
Liverpool fan Michael Shields is set to be released from prison after he was pardoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw. The 22-year-old, who was given a 10-year sentence for the attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria, in 2005, has won a four-and-a-half-year fight to clear his name.
31 October 2008
Campaigners Call For Witches Pardon
A petition calling for a posthumous pardon for men and women executed during the UK witch trials is to be handed to the English and Scottish government.
Campaigners Call For Witches Pardon
A petition calling for a posthumous pardon for men and women executed during the UK witch trials is to be handed to the English and Scottish government.
03 May 2013
Labour Win South Shields By-Election
Labour has won the South Shields parliamentary by-election. While it still retains a seat it has held since 1935, the party did see its majority reduced in the poll. The UK Independence Party (UKIP) finished second in Thursday's election with 24% share of the vote, while the Conservatives fell to third.
Labour Win South Shields By-Election
Labour has won the South Shields parliamentary by-election. While it still retains a seat it has held since 1935, the party did see its majority reduced in the poll. The UK Independence Party (UKIP) finished second in Thursday's election with 24% share of the vote, while the Conservatives fell to third.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
