New hope for jailed Liverpool fan Michael Shields

Oct 24 2008

A HIGH court judge today decided Jack Straw has the power to free Michael Shields.

The judge ruled campaigners for the jailed Liverpool fan have a fair case for their appeal against the Justice Secretary’s decision that he was powerless to release him.

Now a three-court panel of judges will consider the appeal in full.

The move comes after a Bulgarian official told Michael’s supporters the British government does have the power to free the 22-year-old.

Ambassador from the eastern European country Dr Lachezar Matev also told city officials evidence unearthed since Michael’s conviction could possibly prompt a retrial.

City Labour leader Joe Anderson said: “This is significant good news. It means a high court judge agrees with us that there are holes in what Jack Straw has decided.

“We have said time and time again that the secretary of state for justice has the power to release Michael under the articles of transfer and convention of business.”

The decision was made by a judge sitting in chambers at London’s high court this morning.

It also emerged today Liverpool’s lord mayor, Steve Rotheram, will visit Michael in HMP Haverigg on Monday.

Cllr Rotheram will travel to the north Cumbria category C jail with Cllr Anderson who has led the campaign to free Michael.

Michael is serving the remainder of his 10-year sentence in Haverigg for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman, after being transferred to the UK in 2006.

He has always denied being involved in the attack which occurred after Liverpool FC’s 2005 Champions League victory.

In August Mr Straw told Michael’s family he cannot pardon the 22-year-old.

A justice ministry spokesman said: “On the basis of clear advice, the justice secretary has concluded, in the particular circumstances of this case, he does not have the power to consider a pardon.”