Biggs will take case to human rights court

THE son of Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs said yesterday his father would go to the European Court of Human Rights within weeks after his case was dismissed in a British court.

Biggs' attempt to launch a last-ditch appeal against his 30-year jail sentence was dismissed in the British High Court, where a judge said it was "hopeless" and "completely misconceived".

Ailing Biggs, 74, has been held in the hospital wing of Belmarsh prison, southeast London, since he returned voluntarily to Britain in May 2001 36 years after escaping from jail and fleeing abroad.