Great Train Robber Biggs contracts MRSA

GREAT Train Robber Ronnie Biggs is on the verge of death after contracting MRSA while in hospital and has made a new plea for compassionate release.

Biggs, 76, who has suffered several strokes and minor heart attacks and can no longer speak, contracted the superbug while undergoing “routine treatment”.

Medical reports confirm he is in a terminal decline and lawyers have written to prison authorities demanding he is released on compassionate grounds.

He is being held at Belmarsh, a category A prison in south-east London, where he receives 24-hour nursing care. He celebrated his birthday on Monday, the anniversary of the infamous 1963 robbery.

In a letter to prison authorities, his solicitors said the evidence that Biggs was suitable for a compassionate release was now overwhelming.

“The Probation Service have already confirmed that there would be no problems whatsoever with regard to aftercare, and it is crystal clear that Mr Biggs is in absolutely no position whatsoever to even contemplate any criminal enterprise.

“We take the view that a decision must be made by the Secretary of State before matters get completely out of hand.”

Solicitors fear Biggs will die in prison before any decision is taken on a release.

Last month, it emerged prison bosses had rejected an earlier attempt for Biggs to be freed early on compassionate grounds, deeming he was not ill enough.