CAMPAIGNERS last night accused Justice Secretary Jack Straw of breaking a promise to release Michael Shields if he was legally allowed to.

It followed a ruling yesterday by the High Court that Mr Straw had the “power and jurisdiction” to exercise the ancient “Royal prerogative of mercy” to release Shields.

But the judges also said it was for Mr Straw alone – and not the courts – to decide how to exercise that power.

Mr Straw said he would appoint a senior barrister to review the case as soon as possible, but that he would be considering the implication of the judgment on other cases.

Liverpool’s Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson criticised Mr Straw for not acting immediately to release the 22-year-old Liverpool FC fan.

“Jack Straw told me that if he had the legal power to release Michael Shields he would do – he’s now gone back on that,” he said.

“We are really frustrated that, coming up to Christmas, Michael will still be incarcerated when it is widely accepted that he is an innocent man.

“He [Jack Straw] has had a dossier of evidence for months – how long does he need?”