Michael Shields pardon appeal refused
Michael Shields pardon appeal refused
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Thursday, 02, Jul 2009 03:52
Justice secretary Jack Straw has provisionally refused Liverpool fan Michael Shields's appeal for a pardon.
Shields, 22, was jailed for 15 years in Bulgaria for the attempted murder of a barman following his team's Champions League final victory in Turkey.
He later had his sentence shortened to ten years and was returned to the UK to serve out the remainder of the prison term.
The Liverpool fan has always maintained his innocence and further doubts were raised over his conviction when another man admitted to the murder of barman Martin Georgiev.
At the end of last year, the high court announced Mr Straw would have the power to pardon Shields.
However, today it was announced his appeal had been refused.
A statement from the Ministry of Justice said that to grant a pardon Mr Straw had to be satisfied the 22-year-old was "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."
Shields has reportedly been told he can continue to make further representations to Mr Straw, who will ultimately will make the final decision.