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Shields speaks of 'living hell' Shields speaks of 'living hell'
(11 minutes later)
Freed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields, who has been pardoned of an attack on a Bulgarian barman, has spoken of his "living hell".Freed Liverpool football fan Michael Shields, who has been pardoned of an attack on a Bulgarian barman, has spoken of his "living hell".
The 22-year-old was convicted of attempted murder after his team's win in the 2005 Champions League final.The 22-year-old was convicted of attempted murder after his team's win in the 2005 Champions League final.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw issued the royal pardon, saying that Mr Shields was "morally and technically innocent".Justice Secretary Jack Straw issued the royal pardon, saying that Mr Shields was "morally and technically innocent".
Mr Shields said: "The last four years have been the hardest four years of my life." In a statement on his behalf Mr Shields said: "The last four years have been the hardest four years of my life."
Michael Shields was serving a 10-year sentence
Mr Shields, from Liverpool, said his life had been "shattered by the failure of two legal systems, one here in the UK and one in Bulgaria".Mr Shields, from Liverpool, said his life had been "shattered by the failure of two legal systems, one here in the UK and one in Bulgaria".
"Today is a happy day for me but one of mixed emotions too," he said. Michael Shields was serving a 10-year sentence
"Today is a happy day for me but one of mixed emotions too," he said in a statement read by the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd James Jones.
"I am a free man, yes, but it should not have come to this.""I am a free man, yes, but it should not have come to this."
Mr Shields appeared at a press conference after he had been reunited with his family, who have campaigned for his release since he was convicted of the attack against barman Martin Georgiev in Varna.
He spoke of his gratitude for the "tireless campaigning" to secure his release.
"Most of all I want to thank my mum and dad, my sisters, my family and my friends, who never for one minute doubted my innocence and who stood by me every step of the way," Mr Shields said.
"I couldn't have made it without their love."