Plea to release ailing Biggs

THE son of Ronnie Biggs made a heartfelt plea to the British Government last night to release the seriously ill Great Train robber.

Michael Biggs fears the 79-year-old criminal is at his lowest ebb after being readmitted to hospital yesterday from prison with severe pneumonia.

Legal representatives made an emergency application to Justice Secretary Jack Straw to ask for his release on compassionate grounds.

The appeal came just four weeks after Mr Straw refused to release on Biggs parole, saying he remains “wholly unrepentant” about his crimes.

Speaking outside Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Mr Biggs fought back tears as he said doctors may not resuscitate his father if his heart stops.

He said three police officers are guarding his father who has suffered three strokes and cannot eat, speak or walk and is drifting in and out of consciousness.

Mr Biggs said: “His life is in the hands of God and his destiny is unfortunately in the hands of Mr Straw.”