Biggs's family await his release

Relatives of Ronnie Biggs were waiting today for a fax to confirm the Great Train Robber’s release in the UK.

Biggs’s son Michael said his father was sick and frail and freedom would make little “practical” difference.

But he said it would make a big “spiritual” difference to the family.

Britain's justice secretary Jack Straw announced Biggs's release on ``compassionate grounds'' late yesterday.

Biggs is being treated in the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital after being moved from a nearby prison several days ago.

He is said to be severely ill with pneumonia.

Michael Biggs said he was expecting his father to be formally released in the next few hours.

“We are expecting a fax from the Ministry of Justice which will be the formal release,” he said.

“I will be sitting by the fax machine waiting for it.

“Then the three guards who are with my father at the hospital will leave and my father will be free for the first time since 1963.”

Michael Biggs was speaking outside the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

“Practically, this doesn’t make much change. My father will stay in hospital,” he added.

“But, spiritually, for the family, it will be a very big thing to have my father free.

“My father is extremely weak.

“It is touch and go, but, hopefully, he will be able to recover to some extent.

“He is in a very frail condition, but, hopefully, the real minister for justice will grant my father some extra time.”