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09/09/2009
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.
His parents, Michael Snr and Maria, held talks with Mr Straw and Liverpool Labour leader Joe Anderson at his constituency office in Blackburn on August 28.
In a statement, Mr Straw said that during the meeting "important new evidence came to light".
It has been reported that Mr Straw heard about a visit by two members of the Shields family to the home of another man alleged to be responsible for the crime.
Mr Straw said: "I was told that in the course of the visit that man made an oral confession to the crime in front of several other people.
"When looked at alongside all the previously available evidence, (it) has now satisfied me that Mr Shields meets the high test set by the court."
Cllr Anderson commented: "This is the news we have all been waiting so long for. At last an innocent man is being freed from prison for a crime he did not commit. It hasn’t come a moment too soon, but we’re delighted."
(GK/KMcA)
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.
His parents, Michael Snr and Maria, held talks with Mr Straw and Liverpool Labour leader Joe Anderson at his constituency office in Blackburn on August 28.
In a statement, Mr Straw said that during the meeting "important new evidence came to light".
It has been reported that Mr Straw heard about a visit by two members of the Shields family to the home of another man alleged to be responsible for the crime.
Mr Straw said: "I was told that in the course of the visit that man made an oral confession to the crime in front of several other people.
"When looked at alongside all the previously available evidence, (it) has now satisfied me that Mr Shields meets the high test set by the court."
Cllr Anderson commented: "This is the news we have all been waiting so long for. At last an innocent man is being freed from prison for a crime he did not commit. It hasn’t come a moment too soon, but we’re delighted."
(GK/KMcA)
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02 July 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.
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.
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.
25 January 2005
Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
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Survey reveals falling level of some crimes
The overall crime rate in England and Wales is continuing to fall, according to the results of the British Crime Survey (BCS). The survey showed that the overall crime rate fell by 11%, in the year ending September 2004.
12 March 2009
Knife Crime Hospital Admissions Falling
The number of people being admitted to hospital in England for knife injuries has fallen by 8%, according to new figures released today. The National Health Service (NHS) findings also reveal that there has been a 14% drop in the number of teenagers admitted to hospital with stab wounds.
Knife Crime Hospital Admissions Falling
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27 September 2007
Straw Pledges Review On Self-Defence Laws
Justice Minister Jack Straw has pledged to review laws protecting 'have-a-go heroes' who tackle criminals in England and Wales.
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