Biggs's son to make birthday plea

The son of Ronnie Biggs is set to appeal to the Home Secretary to reduce his father's sentence on compassionate grounds.

Michael Biggs will ask David Blunkett to refer the Great Train Robber's case to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

The 72-year-old former fugitive is in declining health in the medical wing of Belmarsh top security prison in south-east London.

His son will mark his 27th birthday by outlining why he believes the prison is an "unsuitable" place for Biggs, who has suffered four strokes and is fed through a tube.

Michael will also spell out why he is asking for a compassionate review of his father's 30-year sentence.

His solicitor Richard Mallett will also be there to answer questions on the application to Mr Blunkett.