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Pardon appeal for Shields refused Pardon appeal for Shields refused
(20 minutes later)
Jailed football fan Michael Shields has had an appeal for a pardon provisionally refused by Justice Secretary Jack Straw.Jailed football fan Michael Shields has had an appeal for a pardon provisionally refused by Justice Secretary Jack Straw.
The 22-year-old was jailed for 15 years for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman after his team's victory in the Champions League Final in 2005.The 22-year-old was jailed for 15 years for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman after his team's victory in the Champions League Final in 2005.
High Court judges ruled Justice Secretary Jack Straw had the power to grant Shields a pardon in December.High Court judges ruled Justice Secretary Jack Straw had the power to grant Shields a pardon in December.
Shields, from Edge Hill, Liverpool has always maintained his innocence. Shields, from Edge Hill, Liverpool, has always maintained his innocence.
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.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.""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."
New evidence I have spoken to Michael and he is absolutely distraught Michael Shields Snr, Shields' father
"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 been told he can make further representations to Mr Straw, who will then make a final decision.
The football fan is currently serving his sentence at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute, in Appleton Thorn, Warrington.The football fan is currently serving his sentence at Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute, in Appleton Thorn, Warrington.
A government committee was set up by Mr Straw to review new evidence which came to light after Shields' trial in Bulgaria which cast doubt on his original conviction. He is already due for release in May 2010.
A government committee was set up by Mr Straw to review new evidence which came to light after Shields' trial in Bulgaria, which cast doubt on his original conviction.
Shields was with a group of friends who visited the Golden Sands resort in Varna, Bulgaria, after the club's Champions League win.Shields was with a group of friends who visited the Golden Sands resort in Varna, Bulgaria, after the club's Champions League win.
He was arrested with several others by local police on 30 May 2005 after barman Martin Georgiev was hit on the head with a paving slab, suffering a fracture skull.He was arrested with several others by local police on 30 May 2005 after barman Martin Georgiev was hit on the head with a paving slab, suffering a fracture skull.
He was convicted later that year and transferred to serve out his sentence, which was reduced on appeal to 10 years, in the UK in 2006.He was convicted later that year and transferred to serve out his sentence, which was reduced on appeal to 10 years, in the UK in 2006.
Shields' parents Marie and Michael Snr, who have led the campaign to see him freed, are said to be 'too upset' to talk about the decision. Shields' father Michael Snr said: "We are absolutely devastated. I have spoken to Michael and he is absolutely distraught.
"I don't know how much more we can take as a family. One minute we are expecting him to be pardoned and released then the next minute all our hopes are dashed.
"All I can say is that Michael, his family and all the campaigners are absolutely heartbroken ."
Mr Shields Snr, along with his wife Marie, have led the campaign to see their son freed.