Support Michael Sheilds

[Garrett]

http://www.freemichaelshields.org/


Everything we do, contributes in a positive manner against this injustice !

[Garrett]

Please consider helping in any way you can ....

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N156255070701-0854.htm

To support the campaign for the UK Government's intervention into Michael Shields' case, click here>> (http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/MichaelCShields/)

[liamo3]

Lets hope he will soon be free Also spare a taught for Steve Cook
When I was in Greece one of the first things I saw in the airport was a missing poster for this lad a red that went missing in Crete its been 2 years a go

http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=84657.0

[RedWally]

http://www.freemichaelshields.com/ seems to work better than .org

[Gerry]

Michael Shields: I should be enjoying my 21st instead of being stuck in here
Sep 21 2007 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

JAILED Liverpool fan Michael Shields today spoke of how he should be celebrating his landmark 21st birthday with the people he loves.

Instead, the engineering student was spending today alone in his cell at Hindley jail near Wigan with only an evening family visit to look forward to.

Michael, who has recently had 10 months taken off his sentence for good behaviour, is due for release in 2010.

He was convicted in Bulgaria of injuring a barman in 2005, but a campaign grew which insisted he is innocent.

Speaking from jail last night, he said: “My 21st will be like the last two Christmas days I’ve been in jail. I just want to get them out of the way so I’m a day nearer to getting out.

“It will just be another 24 hours when I’m in here and the world carries on.

“I should be celebrating with my family and friends instead of stuck in here.”

Michael’s sisters Laura and Melissa were due to visit him tonight with his niece Kelsy and nephew Philip.

His parents Michael Snr and Marie will see him tomorrow. They are restricted in what gifts they can take.

Instead they will deliver scores of cards well-wishers have posted to their home in Edge Hill along with two from Liverpool stars Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.

Inside his card Carragher has written “To Michael, Happy 21st mate. Keep going – you are not forgotten”.

Michael’s father said: “Marie and I feel heartbroken Michael isn’t with us for his big day.

“It’s horrible to think it will just be a routine day. You only turn 21 once and my son is doing it as an innocent person behind bars.

“When he was 18 he didn’t want a party, but he always said he’d have a 21st with his mate Paul Kelly who shares his birthday.

“Paul isn’t going to have a party now because he’s too sad. He’s going to wait until Michael gets out.”

A petition on the prime minister’s website calling for Michael to be freed is already one of the most strongly supported in the country, having amassed more than 15,000 signatures.

But Cllr Joe Anderson, leading the fight to see Michael released, has his sights firmly set on the 100,000 mark.

He said: “I’d like to urge everyone who has supported Michael so loyally so far to go online and sign the petition. We won’t give in.”

Meanwhile Michael’s lawyer and Euro MEP Arlene McCarthy are to travel to Bulgaria to meet the chief prosecutor.

Talks have already been set up between Michael’s legal team and Bulgarian MEPs.

Michael was jailed for the attack in Bulgaria where he was staying after watching Liverpool beat AC Milan in the European Cup two years ago.

Negotiations between the British and Bulgarian governments led to him being transferred to an English prison.

To see the petition visit www.michaelshieldspetition.co.uk/

grego’keeffe@liverpoolecho.co.uk

[RedNip]

MICHAEL Shields will be freed from jail on May 30, 2010.

The provisional release date, conditional on good behaviour, has been set by law and order minister David Hanson after a legal wrangle.

It is 10 months sooner than the tariff set by the Home Office under rules which did not fully take account of the time he spent in Bulgarian custody before he was convicted of a savage assault on a barman.

But the Whitehall interpretation of those rules was challenged by the Shields family's legal team.

The Home Office has now agreed he should be released after serving half of his reduced 10-year sentence, including pre-trial custody.

Riverside Labour MP Louise Ellman said: "It has been a struggle, but the government has seen sense. This is a victory, but the long fight to secure justice for this innocent young man will continue.

"He and his family have suffered enough for a crime which he did not commit."

She will press Mr Hanson for government support for Michael's miscarriage of justice case at a Whitehall meeting when Parliament resumes business next month.

The Bulgarian authorities have not yet responded to an appeal for a full pardon on humanitarian grounds. Michael is currently in Hindley young offenders prison near Wigan.

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/09/25/michael-shields-to-be-released-in-2010-64375-19844888/

[Gerry]

Seen this on rawk

There's a critical meeting taking place with Bulgarians soon with a view to either a pardon or re-opening the case in light of new evidence, and Michael's family are, obviously, keen to have as much ammunition as possible when presenting their case. So if you haven't already signed the petition please do so now.

Forward the link to as many people as possible via email.

Please click the link below and help clear his name.


http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/MichaelCShields

The petition reads:

We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to recognise the
deep concerns people have about the safety of the conviction of
Michael Shields for a crime committed in Bulgaria. We call on
the Prime Minister and his Government to do all they can to
assist in persuading the Bulgarian Government to re-open the
case and for them to look at new and existing evidence.

Further the Prime Minister is called upon to ask the Bulgarian
Authorities through Interpol to ask for further investigations
to be carried out by Merseyside Police by interviewing those
who have provided new and additional information supporting
Michael Shields claim to be innocent of the assault on
Bulgarian Waiter Martin Georgiev.

Michael Shields was convicted of a crime he claims he did not
commit. Evidence was not allowed to be heard in the Bulgarian
Court which included evidence from people who confirmed that
Michael was indeed in his bed. Other evidence was not allowed
during an appeal because it was deemed to be too late,because
it was not heard in the original trial. This evidence and that
of new witnesses needs to be taken into account.

Michael Shields is now in a UK Prison and has served
nearly two years in May 2007 for a crime someone else has owned
up to. This Government should do all it possibly can to
persuade the Bulgarians to re-open this case and examine
thoroughly all the evidence that exists.




Thanks folks.

You need to be a resident of the uk to sign it so please send the link to everyone you know with uk addreses !

[Gerry]

EXCLUSIVE by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo




THE BULGARIAN government today hinted it would not object if the UK decided to pardon Michael Shields and set him free.

President Georgi Parvanov made the admission in a letter to campaigners fighting for the release of the jailed 21-year-old.

It could prompt the British government to consider a pardon on the basis that student Michael, from Edge Hill, suffered a miscarriage of justice in Bulgaria when he was convicted of attempted murder.

City Labour leader Joe Anderson, who received the letter, hailed it as a major breakthrough in his campaign to win Liverpool fan Michael’s freedom.




Story continues

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Now Cllr Anderson hopes a dossier of new evidence which proves Michael’s innocence will finally be considered by the Foreign Office.


He said: “We hear what the Bulgarians are saying and that our country can commute or pardon the sentence.


“There is new evidence that Michael has been wrongly convicted of a crime he did not commit.


“The government has to accept that if this was a case tried under British law Michael would have been released by now.


“And it could be argued he never would have been convicted.


“Our government must do the honourable thing and pardon Michael.”


The letter on behalf of President Parvanov, signed by his top legal advisor Saho Penov, emphasises the UK and Bulgaria are both signatories of the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons.


It says: “Michael Shields’ problems might also be solved by the competent authorities in the United Kingdom.


“We have in mind the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (article 12) which stipulates each party to this convention may grant pardon, amnesty or commutation of the sentence in accordance with its constitution or other laws.


‘The practices and legislation in the UK are familiar with the mechanisms for conditional discharge of sentenced persons, including their release on humanitarian grounds.”


Euro MP Arlene McCarthy, who is also campaigning for Michael’s freedom, is set to meet with President Parvanov for further talks in the next few weeks.


She said: “It has been our objective to seek the pardon of Michael and I don’t mind who does it – whether it’s the Bulgarians or the British government.”


A spokesman for the Foreign Office today said all legal representations would be considered.


In September Michael was moved to an adult prison for the first time in the UK.


Michael was arrested in Bulgaria as he returned from Liverpool's champions league victory in Istanbul.


The Bulgarian courts refused to accept alibi evidence and a confession, later retracted, by fellow Reds fan Graham Sankey.

[Garrett]

At last,

perhaps Michael will finally get to go home ... poor bloke, a very sad story and something which should remind us all when we go to away CL matches etc, be very careful as the Irish Government has no more power than the English one !

[Shay]

Any further update on this or have the family settled for a release in 2010?

[callyno3]

A bit off topic but read this the other day
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/04/10/graham-sankey-jailed-for-five-months-100252-20746759/
Sankey jailed

[Garrett]

That guy is something else ...

First he admits the hastle in Bulgaria, then he retracts it and says he was not involved, then this ....

[Shay]

He's a scumbag of the lowest form

[JamesM]

This fella is bloody unreal...

[Kiltyred]

Shocking case. Can't believe this Sankey guy. Hope shields is out soon.

[SUPERFAN]

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N160029080523-1102.htm
goin to try and have a Listen to this tomorrow.
you can Listen to City Live here...
www.whatson.com/radiocity

[Gerry]

Lawyers for a Liverpool supporter jailed for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman three years ago will launch a new bid today to secure his release.


Michael Shields, now 21, was returning home after Liverpool's defeat of AC Milan in the European Cup final in Istanbul in May 2005.


He and his friends stopped over in the Bulgarian resort of Varna. After an incident in the town centre in which the barman was attacked, allegedly by Liverpool fans, Shields was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison, a sentence which was later reduced to 10 years. Subsequently he was transferred to a prison in Britain.


Shields has claimed throughout that he was in bed in his hotel when the barman was attacked, suffering severe head injuries. Since then, another Liverpool man admitted he was responsible for the attack, but later withdrew that "confession".


Shields is now serving his sentence at Haverigg prison in the Lake District.


His supporters, who have mounted a huge campaign on his behalf, are convinced he was wrongly convicted.


A few months ago Justice Secretary Jack Straw told Shields's supporters he had no jurisdiction to consider either a pardon or an early release for him, saying that that was the responsibility of the Bulgarian authorities.


Today, lawyers will lodge with the courts an application for a judicial review, challenging Mr Straw's ruling regarding "the power to grant a pardon to repatriated prisoners wrongly convicted in a foreign jurisdiction".


His MP, Louise Ellman (Labour, Liverpool Riverside), said: "This application for a judicial review is a vital step in securing justice for Michael Shields. It is important that there is legal clarity about who decides his future."


Mrs Ellman added: "I shall continue to fight for this young man until justice has been done."


If the application is successful, it does not mean necessarily that Mr Straw will order his release but it would mean that the power to do so would be his.

[arklowred]

Benefit night in support of Michael Shields

Spirit Of Shankly, the Liverpool Supporters' Union, is hosting a benefit night in support of wrongly jailed Liverpool fan, Michael Shields. Michael is member number 1 in the Union, and we are glad to be able to offer any support we can to Michael and his family in their ongoing legal fight to have him freed.

Much of the money that has previously been raised for Michael has been spent, and with the fight to have him freed continuing, the benefit night and a bucket collection at the forthcoming home game against Stoke will raise much needed funds for this campaign.

The benefit night will take place on Friday 19th September, the weekend of Michael's 22nd birthday, at The Devonshire Hotel on Edge Lane. Tickets are available for the evening priced at £12, from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign Shop or by emailing admin@spiritofshankly.com.

Tickets are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Brian Reade, Mirror columnist and Liverpool fan will compere the evening, with entertainment from musician Neville Skelly, and comedians John Bishop and Mark Langley. Michael Starke, better known as Sinbad in Brookside, will also be providing entertainment on the evening. There will be a raffle, with signed Liverpool memorabilia and other prizes to be won.

We look forward to seeing you on the evening, and helping support Michael's cause.

Spirit Of Shankly

[Gerry]

Seen this in the mirror, good article for anyone not sure of the facts !

Britain loves nothing better than proving its legal system is the best in the world, especially when a foreign national is involved.

It’s why a £2million inquest has just opened into the death of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes who was killed by London police in July 2005.

Which is fine by me. But why can’t we devote the same resources to finding justice for our own? Four days after de Menezes was killed, Michael Shields was the victim of an equally tragic case of mistaken identity, and was sentenced to 15 years jail for attacking a Bulgarian waiter.

Despite legal experts, MPs, clergymen, journalists and ex-detectives saying the conviction is appallingly flawed, new witnesses coming forward to swear he was in bed at the time and Bulgaria repatriating him and saying we’re free to pardon him, Shields remains behind bars.

These are the facts. A few nights after Liverpool’s Champions League win in Istanbul a waiter was attacked in Varna and police went to a nearby hotel to arrest the culprit. He wasn’t there, so they tried the adjacent room where 18-year-old Shields was sleeping.

They made him put on a white T-shirt (same colour as the attacker’s) and drove him to the crime scene where witnesses viewed him.

At the police station he was handcuffed to a radiator for 16 hours, while witnesses walked past to an ID parade. A parade made up of Shields and three swarthy Bulgarians.

There was no DNA or forensic proof, four witnesses swore he was asleep, the hotel concierge said he saw Shields go to his room, and another man, Graham Sankey, signed a confession (which his solicitors made him retract).

ITV’s Tonight show employed a retired senior UK detective to re-examine the case who said he was “appalled” at the conviction. Fair Trials Abroad called it a blatant miscarriage of justice.

Advertisement - article continues below »

Shields has sailed through a lie-detector test, Bulgaria has told the Foreign Office his release is a matter for the British and its president has hinted he would be happy if he was pardoned. Because his trial was an embarrassment to a legal system which was already labelled one of the worst on earth.

Yet 40 months after Shields was dragged from his bed and locked up for simply being, like de Menezes in the wrong place at the wrong time, British justice hesitates.

Justice Minister Jack Straw (despite telling the family there is powerful evidence to support Michael’s innocence) says he can’t do anything until Bulgaria puts it in writing that he is innocent.

He worries what the rest of the world will think if our justice system doesn’t play by the book.

Which is why, as the de Menezes family get yet another inquiry, the Shields have to seek a Judicial Review to grant a pardon on the grounds that both countries “have the power to pardon a repatriated prisoner under their laws”.

Would Shields still be in jail in France or Italy? Or would they have released him and awaited any consequences? The latter, of course.

But this is Britain, where it’s more important to show the world that we do everything by the book. Especially for others.

By all means let’s give the de Menezes family justice.

But isn’t it equally important to ensure we get justice for a British citizen like Shields who has been criminally abused by foreign courts?

[harrybosch]

Here Here

[redforever]

to be honest quite forgot about this poor chap, I'm so brought back to earth to think I might have problems, but taken into context I have absolutey no worries at all.

To think there are groups like this and this site who keep issues like this and others to the foreground is a credit to all, i am honoured to be a small contributor to this site.

Keep up the great work, my thoughts are with Michael Shields and his family..

[Paddser]

MICHAEL SHIELDS ENJOYS DAY OF FREEDOM


Michael Shields has enjoyed his first day of freedom on temporary release from jail.

The 22 year old was allowed to spend Saturday with his family as a Government inquiry into his case continued.

Given day release from Thorn Cross prison, in Warrington, he enjoyed a MacDonalds meal and went bowling with his parents, sisters, and other family members.

His father Michael Snr said he was telephoned by the prison on Friday night to say his son would be given temporary release on licence the next day, but only in Warrington.

He said: "It was a lovely day and we saw some joy in his face. We all went over in three cars and the kids were hanging off him all day. They were so happy and wouldn’t leave him alone.

"The first thing we did was go to a MacDonalds near the prison and have a coffee and something to eat. Then we went and had a look around the shops and Michael bought some DVDs for his niece and nephew from HMV.

"The kids were fighting over who could sit by him in the car. So in the end we had him in the middle on the back seat and one either side.

"After we’d looked around the shops we went to Nando’s for our tea and Michael paid with some money we gave him. It was a special day and we enjoyed every moment of it.

"It was very emotional for us when we took him back to the prison and had to say bye. We can only hope now that Mr Straw comes to his senses and realises he can end the heartache for us."

The engineering student qualified for temporary day release shortly after being moved to the open jail, which holds 321 prisoners who each have a key to their single-room cells, last month.

Last week Bishop of Liverpool James Jones wrote to Jack Straw to plead with him to waste no time carrying out the inquiry into Michael’s case which has been entrusted to top QC David Perry.

High-profile Mr Perry is the barrister who advised the Government not to bring charges against anyone in the cash for honours scandal. He is also a deputy high court judge.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/mediawatch/drilldown/MW14114090112-1154.htm

[redrath]

Is there any update on Michaels case, not heard a thing for a long while.

[liver06]

Two years three months ago Micheal was jailed for a crime we all know he did not commit.The scum that did commit this awful crime are still free on the streets.There is a petition to the prime-minister asking the goverment to demand an investigation to be re-opened and new evidence heard

http://www.michaelshieldspetition.co.uk

[Kop On]

Given that Michael has now been in Prison for 4 years does anyone know what the update is on his situation?

The Free Michael Shields website in this thread is blocked in work unfortunately!

[liamo3]

Straw refuses to give Michael Shield a pardon


A statement issued by the Ministry of Justice said: "Following a detailed and careful consideration of all the relevant evidence the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, has made a provisional decision that the application for a free pardon from Mr Michael Shields should be refused.

"Mr Straw has made his decision in accordance with the High Court judgment of 17 December 2008 which indicated that, in order to grant a free pardon, he would have to be satisfied that Mr Shields was morally and technically innocent."

[CF999]

He's been refused a pardon. :(

[D-Red]

LIVERPOOL ECHO:

JAILED Liverpool FC fan Michael Shields has been denied a pardon by the Justice Ministry.

Shields was told at 2pm of the decision, with a statement from the Ministry saying: “Following a detailed and careful consideration of all the relevant evidence the Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, has made a provisional decision that the application for a free pardon from Mr Michael Shields should be refused. The Ministry of Justice has written to Mr Shields today to convey this decision.

“The letter to Mr Shields provides a full explanation of the reasons for the Justice Secretary’s provisional decision.

“Mr Straw has made his decision in accordance with the High Court judgment of 17 December 2008 which indicated that, in order to grant a free pardon, he would have to be satisfied that Mr Shields was morally and technically innocent.

"The judgment stated: “In principle… the grant of a free pardon would appear to require a conclusion that, taking the Bulgarian courts’ judgment for what it is and without calling in question its correctness on the material which those courts considered, fresh evidence which the Bulgarian courts did not consider, taken with the material which they did consider and their judgment upon it justifies a conclusion that Michael Shields is morally and technically innocent.”

“This is a very high test and the Justice Secretary has provisionally concluded that on the evidence he currently has that test is not met.

“The Justice Secretary recognises, of course, that many will be disappointed by his decision. But in exercising this quasi-judicial function he has adopted the approach that the Court expected him to adopt.

“Mr Shields can now submit any further representations he may want to make, after which the Justice Secretary will make a final decision on the evidence before him.”

More to come on the story as we have it.

[Paddser]

Puts a lot of things into perspective. My heart goes out to Michael and his family.

[Gerry]

Gang of ****s on that government, god help everonye if they think his conviction and trial was not a joke !

Stay strong Michael

[travis]

that's a bloody disgrace, typical British judicial system at its best

[Gerry]

Contact details for Straw

Jack can be contacted in a variety of ways:

By telephone: 01254 52317

By email: blackburnlabour@hotmail.com

By post to: House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA or
Constituency Office
Richmond Chambers
Richmond Terrace
Blackburn, BB1 7AS

[fitzpatrickgary]

i cant believe this decision
the brit sh1t legal system is a disgrace

[Rover 609]

Absolutely gutted for the lad.Imagine how his family must feel when that **** straw made a statement like this.

"I will ensure this process is undertaken as quickly as possible, and can assure Michael Shields and his family that I will reach a decision on whether to recommend granting a pardon as swiftly as is possible."

Jack Straw, 17th DECEMBER 2008

[justydawson]

Feel like throwing something at me if you wish - but I just heard this on the radio (BBC)

- Can someone explain to me what EXACTLY this means for the dumb people. Back at Christmas he was supposed to be let go. Does this mean the whole process of letting him free is up in the air again?

If so - BOL*X!

[callyno3]

Poor lad! what a kick in the bollix. The conviction wouldn't stand up in any decent court of Law,
How can jack straw refuse to give him a pardon!

[Juan]

I think jack straw has bottled it, imo.A bad decision by him.

[pam]

another shocking blunder of the british justice system. bunch of tossers, it makes me so mad,
lost all faith in the system.

[D-Red]

He got fcuked by the Bulgarian "legal system" (if you could call it that) and now fcuked by the British Justice Secretary as well.

It's sick what's happened to that poor lad.


I have sent J.Straw a lengthy email, and would like to think others will email, write, etc as well.
Ignorant pr!ck might not even read most of them but it beats doing nothing.
Hopefully another mosaic or something at Anfield in August too.

[SINGLE]

i agree straw has bottled it.

[D-Red]

Jack Straw: Michael Shields’ family have a month to convince me
Jul 3 2009 by Ian Hernon, Liverpool Echo


MICHAEL Shields and his legal team have a month to convince Jack Straw that he should grant a royal pardon.

If they deliver compelling new evidence by the August 3 deadline, the justice secretary promised to make a final decision “as quickly as possible”.

Mr Straw apologised to the 22-year-old and his family for the long delay before reaching yesterday’s “provisional” ruling he could not at present agree to a pardon because he remained unconvinced Michael was “morally and technically innocent”.

He said: “I fully understand their anger and I understand the delay has added to their distress. But I spent a huge amount of time and care on this case.”

Mr Straw insisted his verdict was based purely on the remit given to him by December’s high court judgement and he was motivated by his duty to “uphold the law”.

He also denied he was hiding behind “legalese”.

Mr Straw refused to be drawn on what evidence pointing to Michael’s innocence he had rejected, saying such issues were included in a “long and detailed” letter sent to Michael and his lawyers.

Mr Straw also agreed to meet again with the Shields family if that is what they wish.

At the ministry of justice yesterday, the ECHO asked him key questions:

Do you understand the anger felt by the family not just about your ruling, but by your statement that Michael is not “morally and technically innocent”?

“Of course I understand the concerns of the family. But the high court ruling, applied for by the family and which I did not appeal against, set a very high test that I should only consider the Bulgarian court’s judgement.

“I could not call into question its correctness on the material it considered.”

What more evidence do you need, given that someone else confessed to the crime, the Bulgarian admission that the conviction was doubtful, the discredited ID evidence and Michael’s alibi?

“It is open to me to apply the law. It would be improper of me to reveal the contents of the very detailed letter I have sent to Mr Shields and his lawyers. What I cannot do is get into a debate about what kind of evidence I am seeking from the Shields family.”

Do you understand the level of feeling in Liverpool, not least from the Bishop of Liverpool and other church leaders?

“People in Liverpool will be deeply disappointed. I understand the strong emotions felt by Mr Shields, his family and his many supporters in Liverpool and well beyond. But I have had to make a quasi-judicial decision on the basis of the law.”

Do you believe Michael is innocent or guilty?

“My personal feelings are neither here nor there. I want to again stress this is a provisional decision and I am open to representations from Mr Shields and his lawyers.”

[D-Red]

Revealed: The reason why Liverpool FC fan Michael Shields was not released
Jul 3 2009 by Greg O'Keeffe, Liverpool Echo

THE EYE witness who insists Michael Shields is innocent of attempted murder today demanded a face-to-face meeting with Jack Straw.

Speaking hours after the justice secretary dashed the 22-year-old Liverpool fan’s hopes of a pardon, the Merseyside man appealed for a personal audience with the minister.

The father-of-two, who saw the paving slab attack on a Bulgarian waiter, for which Michael was sentenced to 15 years, said: “I’m devastated.

“I feel worse now than when Michael was originally convicted. I saw what happened clearly and I know that not only is Michael innocent – he wasn’t even there.

“I was hoping the Government would finally end this miscarriage of justice yesterday, but instead they're keeping Michael in prison. It’s scandalous.

“I have already given a signed statement to the Bulgarian courts and to Jack Straw. Now I want to meet him and look him in the eyes when I tell him the truth about what happened.

“There was a gang of eight other Liverpool lads there when Martin Georgiev was attacked. They also know Michael Shields wasn’t there.

“I don’t know how those lads and their families can live with them not coming forward?”

Witness ‘A’, whose name is Ian, first spoke out when the confession of Anfield man Graham Sankey, later retracted, failed to prevent Michael from being convicted.

Today the ECHO can also reveal the key reason why Jack Straw concluded he was unable to decide whether the Edge Hill student was “morally and technically innocent”.

In a 51-page decision letter given to Michael’s lawyers, the justice minister ignores fierce legal criticism of the flawed Bulgarian trial and instead takes into account the statements of Bulgarian witnesses who identified Michael, several of whom saw the engineering student chained to a radiator in a police station before he was even charged.

Mr Straw, who has given the Shields legal team a month to put forward any fresh evidence, fails to conclude that a successful lie detector test and the evidence of witness ‘A’ proves Michael’s innocence.

Michael’s mother Maria Shields collapsed at her home after being told the news yesterday. She needed treatment from her GP and medication. Earlier she had said: “I just can't believe it – it's a disgrace, this feels like a knife in the back.”

Today his father Michael snr also called on Mr Straw to keep his promise to meet him. He said: “I want Jack Straw to come and sit down with me.

“He has kept our legal team in the dark throughout this six-month decision making period. He’s ignored us. Now I want to sit down with him man to man and ask him how he is keeping an innocent lad in prison.

“I don’t know how much more we can take as a family. We’re heartbroken. One minute we are expecting him to be pardoned and released then the next minute all our hopes are dashed.”

City Labour leader Joe Anderson, who has led the campaign to free Michael along with his legal team of solicitor John Weate and barrister Peter Weatherby, said: “I have considered resigning from my position as Labour leader over this.

“Jack Straw has said to my face that he would free Michael Shields if he could. Instead he has gone out of his way to keep him behind bars. He does not deserve to have the word justice in his cabinet title.”

Mr Weate said: “We have made a freedom of information request to Merseyside police for a copy of their report but they waited until the very last moment to say they were refusing us a copy.

“Throughout the last six months the ministry of justice have prevented us from having any input into their consideration process. Instead of having an open review they have blanked us and our input.

“To get a pardon you have to get a higher degree of certainty and I think that’s what they’re talking about. But Jack Straw is hiding behind it.

“There is no way in the British judicial system this would have even got into court. If we’ve got a further 28 days to make representations then we will definitely do that.

“I have been in this line of work for 37 years and this lad is as innocent as you and me. When he was told of the news his first concern was for his mum and dad.

“It must have been incredibly hard for him. He was simply called into a room at the prison and handed a fax with the news.”

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev James Jones, said: “Although I am bitterly disappointed I recognise the huge amount of work that Jack Straw has put into Michael’s case.

“The law requires overwhelming new evidence to set aside the judgement of the Bulgarian courts.

“I continue to believe that Michael is innocent. I wish that the Minister of Justice was allowed to take into account Michael’s good character both before the trial and throughout his time in prison. I hold him and his mother and father in my prayers.”

Riverside MP Louise Ellman said: “I am bitterly disappointed. This is extending the agony for this clearly innocent young man and for his family.

“We shall consult with their lawyers to see what can be done next. We are not going to give up.”

Merseyside MEP Arlene McCarthy said: “Michael is clearly morally and technically innocent. This is by no means the end of the line and we will be submitting an appeal to Jack Straw.

“Michael does not deserve to be in jail for a crime he did not commit.”

At the beginning of June, Gordon Brown raised hopes for Shields’s supporters by promising his family they would receive news by the end of the month.

On Tuesday the Ministry of Justice confirmed an announcement would be made “over the next few days”.

Across Merseyside the fan’s supporters had begun to believe he would be pardoned and released imminently.

If the justice secretary stands by his latest decision, Michael will remain in Thorn Cross prison, Warrington, until his sentence ends in May 2010.

[born red 79]

Shocking. how can he justify this decision like.

[Rover 609]

The following has been released by Spirit of Shankly

Following yesterdays shock news from Jack Straw that he will not be granting a pardon to innocent Liverpool fan Michael Shields the following events have been organised by the Free Michael Shields Campaign.

Monday 6 July 12pm – All Hackney Carriages in Liverpool will parade past the Shields family home at noon. Please make every effort to attend this and show your support. The address is Towerlands Street, Wavertree, Liverpool.

Saturday 11 July 5pm – A vigil will be held for Michael at the Church of England Cathedral, all of Michael's campaigners will be in attendance, including the likes of Ricky Tomlinson. Again please make every effort to attend.

Finally, a plea, if anybody, either themselves, or knows of anybody who has any information regarding the attack on Martin Georgiev, please come forward now. Michael's legal team only have until the end of this month to submit any new evidence to Mr Straw and it is vital any available evidence is found. Please either email michaelshieldscampaign@uwclub.net or call the office of John Weate, Michael's solicitor on 0151 647 0000, your information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.

[liamo3]

Just got this from Gerry lets hope they get the lad out


http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/2/7/11/liamo3/f_DSC00060m_ab3cf08.jpg

[Gerry]

Was at the sos meetine yesterday where Michael snr was suppose to speak but due to a deathin the family he could not make it

beloe is something that was written on one of the leaflets handed out

By I Kenyon


Here's a rhyme for Mr Straw
Nobody trusts you anymore.
In the face of overwhelming fact
You closed your eyes-refused to act.
When all seemed lost-to you they turn
You comfort them with mock concern.
A terrible injustice done,
We see the truth while you see none.
Compassion is the thing you lack,
We'll remember you as "spineless Jack">
If Michael Shields was William Straw,
Perhaps he'd be above the law.
Dealers in drugs get a prison portion,
But william Straw just recieved a caution!
At election time we know what to do
We'll be alright Jack- Don't know about you !

[liamo3]

Great poem that sums it up in a nutshell all them cnts just love paying lips service but when it comes to doing anything they fcking bottle it. Similar story with Hillsborough they all love to talk the talk in front of the cameras but they never walk the walk!

[Rover 609]

Up to and during the 20th annivarsary memorial of hillsborough we had these ****s coming out of the woodwork trying to curry favour because of the media coverage of events.Saying is one thing but when the time came to act,not a ****ing whimper.Burnham with his guarantees to get files released and straw with his guarantee to look positively at Michaels plight.As Liam says "lip service".Nothing but a shower of ****s the lot of them.

Great poem Gerry,thanks for sharing mate.

[IrishRed1892]

just emailed that poem to the address given on the last page

[Rover 609]

House of Commons/Westminister Hall
11am - 11.30am
Pardon for Mr Michael Shields - Mrs Louise Ellman

No news as of yet.


http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/07/15/legal-back-up-plan-to-win-justice-for-michael-shields-100252-24158285/

LFC FAN Michael Shields’ attempted murder conviction could be investigated by an independent legal body.

The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) told the 22-year-old’s legal team it would be prepared to consider the case if home secretary Jack Straw refuses to grant a free pardon next month.

Such a probe would normally see Michael released on parole pending the outcome of the review.

The latest move was revealed by Riverside MP Louise Ellman who stressed it was a legal back-up strategy ... The immediate aim to win a pardon.

In a short Westminster debate Ms Ellman was expected to tell Mr Straw to simply free the engineering student from Edge Hill. She condemned his provisional decision to reject a pardon because he was not convinced the Reds fan was “morally and technically” innocent of the attack on a Bulgarian barman.

She claimed he did not take into account the lack of ID and forensic evidence and the confession – later retracted – by fellow fan Graham Sankey.

And crucially, she said, he had ignored the findings of the recent probe he commissioned by Merseyside Police’s major incident team.

That found a new witness to the attack – known as Mr A – who confirmed Michael was not at the scene was “truthful, honest and independent”.

Mr A told the investigators: “It was only when I saw a photo of Michael Shields that I realised the police had arrested the wrong man. The man in the white T-shirt who dropped the slab (on the barman) was short and dark.”

Mrs Ellman said his evidence matched that of two other witnesses who told Liverpool Labour leader Joe Anderson Michael was innocent.

Mrs Ellman said the Merseyside Police report concluded if the original trial had been held in a UK court Michael would now be out on licence pending a CCRC investigation.

She said: “I have now been informed that Michael’s legal team have been in touch with the CCRC and they have confirmed they would be happy to consider a reference by the secretary of state under the criminals appeals act.”


She said: “Michael should not still be in prison for a crime he clearly did not commit.”

If Mr Straw refuses a pardon on August 3 a formal request for a CCRC investigation will be lodged.

The CCRC is an independent body set up by government ministers to investigate possible miscarriages of justice. It is free to assess whether convictions or sentences should be referred to the Court of Appeal.

Michael is scheduled for release at the end of May next year. He is serving his sentence in Thorn Cross, Warrington.

ian.hernon@liverpool.com

[Rover 609]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/8151562.stm


MP's pardon plea for jailed fan



An MP supporting a pardon for a jailed Liverpool fan wants Justice Secretary Jack Straw to "put right" what she says is a "shocking miscarriage of justice".

Liverpool Riverside MP Louise Ellman is supporting a campaign to free Michael Shields, 22, who is serving a 10-year sentence for attempted murder.

He was convicted of attacking a barman after Liverpool's Champions League win in 2005, but maintains his innocence.

Ms Ellman spoke in a debate in the House of Commons.

Shields, from Edge Hill, said he was in bed when the attack took place in Bulgaria.

The Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, turned down the latest appeal to release Shields and issue him with a pardon.


Mr Straw told MPs that he was aware of the "great anger" at his provisional decision, made earlier this month.

He said that he does his best in these cases to apply himself to the evidence and "...simply as a human being it would have been easier all round for me if I had been able to come to the alternative conclusion".

He insisted he had an "open mind" as he approached his final decision, and was ready to examine any further evidence submitted to him.

Mr Straw was responding to a debate in the alternative debating chamber of Westminster Hall, called by Ms Ellman.

She called on the Justice Secretary to "put right this shocking miscarriage of justice".

Ms Ellman was supported by fellow Merseyside MPs, the former Labour Ministers, Jane Kennedy and George Howarth.

Shields' campaign team have 28 days to make representations and challenge the decision.

[MrsPepe]

The powers that be will probably string all this out to as close as possible to his actual release date. Disgraceful.

[Gerry]

This Poem is spot on for Spineless Jack

Here's a rhyme for Mr Straw
Nobody trusts you anymore.
In the face of overwhelming fact
You closed your eyes-refused to act.
When all seemed lost-to you they turn
You comfort them with mock concern.
A terrible injustice done,
We see the truth while you see none.
Compassion is the thing you lack,
We'll remember you as "spineless Jack">
If Michael Shields was William Straw,
Perhaps he'd be above the law.
Dealers in drugs get a prison portion,
But william Straw just recieved a caution!
At election time we know what to do
We'll be alright Jack- Don't know about you !

[CHARMAC]

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2009/07/16/jack-straw-promises-to-review-all-evidence-in-liverpool-fc-fan-michael-shields-pardon-case-92534-24165275/

Jack Straw promises to review all evidence in Liverpool FC fan Michael Shields pardon case
Jul 16 2009 Liverpool Daily Post
Add a commentRecommend 12next
JUSTICE Secretary Jack Straw has promised to keep an open mind over a pardon for Michael Shields.

He told MPs that he has ruled nothing out as he considers whether to grant freedom for the 22-year-old Reds fan.

That includes a pledge to “consider and reconsider” any new representations by early next month pointing to the 22-year-old’s guilt or innocence.

And if he confirms his interim decision that he is not satisfied that Mr Shields is “morally and technically innocent” of the near-fatal attack on a Bulgarian barman, he will consider a further appeal.

That could include a reference to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, an independent body set up to investigate alleged miscarriages of justice.

He said: “I certainly understand the level of anger on Merseyside and beyond over this case.”

Mr Straw underlined his intention to meet the Shields family in the coming weeks.

But during a Westminster debate he refused to pre-empt his final pardon verdict.

Earlier, Riverside MP Louise Ellman pressed him on the findings of a Merseyside Police inquiry which ruled that a new witness to the crime – known as Mr A – had shown that Mr Shields was the victim of mistaken identity.

The witness reported: “It was only when I saw a photograph of Michael Shields that I realised that the (Bulgarian) police had arrested the wrong man.

“I was able to see that Michael was a big lad and has blond hair. The lad in the white T-shirt who dropped the brick was short and dark.”

Mrs Ellman used Parliamentary privilege to repeat allegations made by other witnesses to the vicious assault that fellow fan Graham Sankey had dropped a large stone on the barman’s head as he lay prone on the ground.

“Both men made it clear that Michael Shields was not present at the scene,” she said.

“I have long been convinced that this is a miscarriage of justice for a then-18-year-old jailed for a crime he did not commit, and a miscarriage of justice for the victim because the real offender remains free.”

[callyno3]

Lets hope the clown straw comes to his senses and grants the pardon and michael can be reunited with his family again

[Gerry]

First time attempting anything like this so go easy

An innocent lad that done nothing wrong
Been held by a weak government for far to long
A shambles of a trial and a wrong sentence to follow
The words of jack straw seem empty and hollow

He seems happier releasing the media's chosen few
Now look at Michael's case you know what to do
Empty promises are what you do best
Until Michael's home we will not rest

Back in Liverpool with his family where he belongs
Spineless Jack has a chance to right all the wrongs

[D-Red]

Excellent stuff Gerry!! Fair fcuks to you mate!

[Paddser]

Well done Gerry, great stuff!

[Beanokelly]

Very good gerry Hope the lad gets out soon and sues them for falsely imprisonment

[IrishRed1892]

here's a poem I wrote earlier on OTK (I'm Joey8TheFrogsLegs)

On That Wonderful Night

On that wonderful night when the Reds made it five
The streets of Liverpool and Istanbul came alive
Fans from all over, from Toxteth and Norway
Shouting from windows, running through doorways

On that wonderful night there was but one frown
From a young Scouse lad stuck in a strange town
Wrongly convicted and thrown in the slammer
"Fifteen years" said the judge with a hammer

Four years on still no justice brought to pass
A man called Jack Straw with a heart so crass
Capable of freeing young Michael so lonesome
Yet he won't do what he'd do for his own son

A family torn apart by injustice and evil
Made even worse by a heartless weasel
I say to Mr. Straw the man with no spine
I know what I'd do if your job was mine

[STEVE1978]

First time attempting anything like this so go easy

An innocent lad that done nothing wrong
Been held by a weak government for far to long
A shambles of a trial and a wrong sentence to follow
The words of jack straw seem empty and hollow

He seems happier releasing the media's chosen few
Now look at Michael's case you know what to do
Empty promises are what you do best
Until Michael's home we will not rest

Back in Liverpool with his family where he belongs
Spineless Jack has a chance to right all the wrongs

here's a poem I wrote earlier on OTK (I'm Joey8TheFrogsLegs)

On That Wonderful Night

On that wonderful night when the Reds made it five
The streets of Liverpool and Istanbul came alive
Fans from all over, from Toxteth and Norway
Shouting from windows, running through doorways

On that wonderful night there was but one frown
From a young Scouse lad stuck in a strange town
Wrongly convicted and thrown in the slammer
"Fifteen years" said the judge with a hammer

Four years on still no justice brought to pass
A man called Jack Straw with a heart so crass
Capable of freeing young Michael so lonesome
Yet he won't do what he'd do for his own son

A family torn apart by injustice and evil
Made even worse by a heartless weasel
I say to Mr. Straw the man with no spine
I know what I'd do if your job was mine

Very good lads, 10 outve 10 to both of ye.

[Ron1892]

Well done to the two boys for their poems..They were well written and excellent lads.Thumbs up..

[gav003]

THE father of Michael Shields today spoke of his optimism after a face to face meeting with Jack Straw about his son’s future.

Michael Snr and his wife Maria spent an hour talking with the Secretary of State for Justice in Blackburn ahead of his final decision on whether to pardon their son.

Speaking afterwards Michael Snr said: “I’m more positive than I have been recently, that’s for sure, but it’s cautious optimism because I’ve got my hopes up in the past and been let down.

“I asked Mr Straw a lot of questions and he answered them all. We were also able to give him some information about the case and present our arguments which we were grateful for.

“I asked him why Michael couldn’t have been released on a tag or something while he was considering his decision but he said he simply couldn’t do that.

“But overall I think it went well and he told us to rest assured it was not going to be another horribly long wait until he made his final decision.

“I just hope he does what’s right now.”

Michael, 22, from Edge Hill, is serving 10 years after being convicted of the attempted murder of a Bulgarian waiter in 2005.
Another man has since confessed to the attack and leading Bulgarian diplomats have admitted there is doubt over the conviction.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: “On July 2 I made a provisional decision to refuse Michael Shields’ application for a free pardon. My reasons for doing so were set out in a long and detailed letter and I made clear at the time that I would welcome any further representations before I made a final decision.

“I also made clear that I would be very happy to meet Mr Shields’ parents if they wanted to see me about their son’s case.

“I had a meeting with Mr Shields’ parents earlier today and listened carefully to what they had to say. I do not underestimate the distress they feel nor the considerable public support that exists for their son.

“I intend now to move quickly to a final decision on Michael Shields’ application, taking into account what his parents said to me today and the written representations I have received on his behalf”.

If Michael is not given a royal pardon, he will remain in Thorn Cross prison, Warrington, until May 2010.

Last week it emerged that TUC union boss Brendan Barber had written to Mr Straw backing the Liverpool fan’s campaign.

[CF999]

I'm more than confident he'll be out soon, before the year is out for sure.

[glen]

how the british government can keep this man behind bars after anoter man confessed to the crime is unbelievable and an absolute disgrace.

[Rover 609]

Has been pardoned and to be released today.

[Rover 609]

http://www.clickliverpool.com/news/national-news/126060-liverpool-fan-michael-shields-free-with-royal-pardon.html

Jailed Liverpool Michael Shields is being released with a royal pardon his solicitor has confirmed.

The long-awaited decision by Justice Secretary Jack Straw sweeps aside the 2005 conviction of the Liverpool fan for attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria.

Michael, 22, has been eligible for a pardon since last December when the High Court ruled that it would be legal under UK law.

Since then the student's release has been hampered by legal red tape.

First a top QC reviewed the case for Jack Straw and that was followed by the Justice Secretary ordering a Merseyside Police investigation of the evidence in the case.

Michael's conviction for attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria in 2005 was identified as a potential miscarriage of justice in the High Court Judicial Review.

Then on 2nd July Mr Straw said he was minded not to grant a pardon and asked for further evidence before making a final decision.

Michael's solicitor John Weate said: "I have spoken to Michael and he has been told the Jack Straw has granted a royal pardon.

"He was informed of the decision by by the governor this morning. He was ecstatic and I'm delighted that an innocent man is finally being freed."

Michael has been in custody for 1563 days - since he was arrested in the Black Sea resort of Varna30th May 2005 and has been serving a ten year sentence at Thorn Cross Prison near Warrington.

[serpheus]

Great news!!

[wonit5times]

just breaking now on SSN....

[D-Red]

Has been pardoned and to be released today.

Get in there!!! About fcuking time! Will be great when that young lad gets to stand on the Kop again!! :)

[Paddser]

Fantastic news. Would be great to see him at the Union meeting on Saturday. Would give a huge lift to everyone.

[CHRIS1892]

Can't anything about it, where did you hear this?

Gotcha! Great news!

[jonathan]

Would be great if he could make the game this weekend!!!