Force examines Shields evidence

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A UK police force will examine facts surrounding the conviction of Liverpool fan Michael Shields, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has said.

Shields, 22, is serving a 10-year term for the attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria, but maintains his innocence.

High Court judges ruled in December that Justice Secretary Jack Straw has the power to issue a pardon.

A decision based on Merseyside Police's findings is unlikely to be delivered before May, Mr Straw said on Friday.

Shields was transferred to the UK in 2006 after his 15-year sentence was reduced on appeal, and is serving his sentence at Thorn Cross Prison in Warrington.

'Fair' decision

His supporters - who include Liverpool players, clergy and MPs - had their hopes of an early release raised by the High Court victory last year.

But in a statement, Mr Straw made it clear there was still a lengthy process to go through before he could make a final decision.

"I am determined to make the best and fairest decision that I can, but can only do so after properly assessing all of the material that is available, in accordance with the judgment of the court," said Mr Straw.

"I fully understand, of course, that Michael Shields and his family want an early decision on his application and I shall do all I can to reach a conclusion as quickly as possible.

"Given the work that needs to be done, it is only fair to say that a decision is unlikely to be made before the end of May.

"This is, I am sorry to say, longer than I had anticipated. But, the timescales are bound to be determined by the requirement of the inquiries."

Home visit

Merseyside Police will speak to UK-based witnesses and study new evidence which came to light after Shields was jailed.

The force said it would not be commenting on the MoJ announcement.

Barman Martin Georgiev had a rock dropped on his head in the Black Sea resort of Varna in May 2005.

Shields had been watching Liverpool's Champions League final win against AC Milan on television at the resort, along with other supporters.

He was found guilty of attempted murder in a trial in Bulgaria after the incident but has always maintained his innocence.

At one point another Liverpool fan, who was staying in the same hotel, signed a confession admitting he carried out the attack, but he later retracted it.

Shields was allowed home for a few days to visit his family in Liverpool on temporary release last month.