Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 June 2008
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.
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.
13 May 2013
Huhne And Pryce Released After 62 Days
Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce have been released from jailed after serving 62 days of their respective eight-month sentences. The 58-year-old former cabinet minister and his 60-year-old ex-wife were jailed on March 11 for perverting the course of justice, relating to Pryce taking speeding points on behalf of Huhne.
Huhne And Pryce Released After 62 Days
Chris Huhne and Vicky Pryce have been released from jailed after serving 62 days of their respective eight-month sentences. The 58-year-old former cabinet minister and his 60-year-old ex-wife were jailed on March 11 for perverting the course of justice, relating to Pryce taking speeding points on behalf of Huhne.
27 September 2004
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.
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.
02 July 2009
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.
25 November 2014
Two Arrested In Film Piracy Case
Two men have been arrested in connection with the release of a pirated copy of the Expendables 3, some twenty days before its cinema release date. The film appeared online on 25th July despite having a US cinema release date of 15th August. The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (Pipcu) arrested a 36-year-old man in Upton Wirral.
Two Arrested In Film Piracy Case
Two men have been arrested in connection with the release of a pirated copy of the Expendables 3, some twenty days before its cinema release date. The film appeared online on 25th July despite having a US cinema release date of 15th August. The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (Pipcu) arrested a 36-year-old man in Upton Wirral.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
