Biggs receives first prison visit from son

Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs has been visited by his son for the first time since he returned to a British jail.

Michael Biggs went to Belmarsh, a top-security prison in south-east London, accompanied by family friend Kevin Crace.

Ronnie Biggs, 71, is receiving medical attention in the wake of the three strokes he suffered in Brazil.

Judy Totton, a public relations consultant hired by the family, said: "Michael Biggs made his first official prison visit to his father today prior to a visit tomorrow from the legal team.

"It was obviously an emotional experience for both parties with Ronnie clearly delighted and relieved to see his son.

"Michael plans to visit his father again as soon as the authorities allow."

Last Monday, Biggs's son accompanied his father on the flight from his Brazilian bolt-hole back to justice, 35 years after he escaped from prison.

On Wednesday, he broke down during a news conference when he pleaded for compassion for his father.

Michael Biggs said: "All I ask for, on his behalf, is a fair hearing and a balanced consideration of the true events of the last 35 years of his life."

Michael insisted that his father could have paid for health care in Brazil and had not returned to Britain simply to receive treatment.