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Pardon for football fan Shields | Pardon for football fan Shields |
(10 minutes later) | |
Liverpool fan Michael Shields has been pardoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw after being detained for four years over an attack in Bulgaria. | Liverpool fan Michael Shields has been pardoned by Justice Secretary Jack Straw after being detained for four years over an attack in Bulgaria. |
The 22-year-old, from Liverpool, was released after Mr Straw ruled he was "morally and technically innocent" of the attempted murder of a barman. | |
He was found guilty in 2005 after his team's win in that year's Champions League final. | He was found guilty in 2005 after his team's win in that year's Champions League final. |
Mr Shields and his family were said to be "absolutely ecstatic". | |
Mr Shields' parents, Michael Snr and Maria, have campaigned for his release since he was convicted. | Mr Shields' parents, Michael Snr and Maria, have campaigned for his release since he was convicted. |
In a statement, Mr Straw said that during the last meeting with the Shields family on 28 August he was told about a visit by two members of the Shields family to the home of another man alleged to be responsible for the crime. | In a statement, Mr Straw said that during the last meeting with the Shields family on 28 August he was told about a visit by two members of the Shields family to the home of another man alleged to be responsible for the crime. |
At first he couldn't believe it after all these years and knock-backs John Wheate Michael Shields' solicitor | At first he couldn't believe it after all these years and knock-backs John Wheate Michael Shields' solicitor |
He 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. | He 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." | "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." |
Mr Straw added that he believed Mr Shields to be "morally and technically innocent". | Mr Straw added that he believed Mr Shields to be "morally and technically innocent". |
Mr Shields has been held in Thorn Cross young offenders institution in Warrington after serving the initial part of his sentence in Bulgaria. | Mr Shields has been held in Thorn Cross young offenders institution in Warrington after serving the initial part of his sentence in Bulgaria. |
The 22-year-old's solicitor, John Wheate, said the jailed fan was "absolutely ecstatic" when he was given the news earlier. | The 22-year-old's solicitor, John Wheate, said the jailed fan was "absolutely ecstatic" when he was given the news earlier. |
He said his client was told by the prison governor that he would be a free man and his family were informed by Mr Straw over the telephone. | He said his client was told by the prison governor that he would be a free man and his family were informed by Mr Straw over the telephone. |
'Miscarriage of justice' | |
Mr Wheate said: "At first he couldn't believe it after all these years and knock-backs. | Mr Wheate said: "At first he couldn't believe it after all these years and knock-backs. |
"But now he is absolutely ecstatic and so are his family." | "But now he is absolutely ecstatic and so are his family." |
The pardon follows a campaign by the Shields family, MPs, clergymen, Liverpool players and others who believe he is innocent. | The pardon follows a campaign by the Shields family, MPs, clergymen, Liverpool players and others who believe he is innocent. |
Louise Ellman, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, who has been campaigning for Mr Shields' release since he was convicted, said: "I am overjoyed at Jack Straw's decision. | Louise Ellman, Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, who has been campaigning for Mr Shields' release since he was convicted, said: "I am overjoyed at Jack Straw's decision. |
"Michael has suffered a gross miscarriage of justice, incarcerated for four years for a crime he did not commit and for which another man has confessed. | "Michael has suffered a gross miscarriage of justice, incarcerated for four years for a crime he did not commit and for which another man has confessed. |
"I pay tribute to Michael's family and the people of Liverpool for their remarkable courage and persistence." | "I pay tribute to Michael's family and the people of Liverpool for their remarkable courage and persistence." |
Mrs Ellman added: "Jack Straw has brought justice to an innocent young man. | Mrs Ellman added: "Jack Straw has brought justice to an innocent young man. |
"This is a day for celebration." | "This is a day for celebration." |