Thursday, September 22, 2005
Ronnie Biggs. Justice Or State Revenge?
Ronnie Biggs, the 76 year old "Great Train Robber," who returned to Britain in 2001 for medical treatment and is now in prison serving the remainder of his 28 year sentence, has suffered minor strokes and heart attacks in prison. He also contracted MRSA and is said to be extremely depressed. Reports that he is on hunger strike are being denied by prison officials, while his lawyers say he is indeed refusing food.
Three months after his appeal to be released on compassionate grounds, which brought no response, Biggs solicitors have again called for him to be freed.
The Great Train Robbery took place in 1963. Ronnie Biggs escaped from jail in 1965 and fled to South America, where he stayed till 2001.
Surely Biggs should be freed now. It is hard to see the point of incarcerating an extremely old, sick man who is clearly no threat to the public and is hardly likely to run around holding up trains.
Many people at the time thought the sentences handed down to all the men involved in the robbery were excessively harsh. It was a crime that always rankled the "establishment," and that seems not to have changed with the passing of time.
This looks like a case of not justice, but state revenge with a distinct lack of compassion.
Three months after his appeal to be released on compassionate grounds, which brought no response, Biggs solicitors have again called for him to be freed.
The Great Train Robbery took place in 1963. Ronnie Biggs escaped from jail in 1965 and fled to South America, where he stayed till 2001.
Surely Biggs should be freed now. It is hard to see the point of incarcerating an extremely old, sick man who is clearly no threat to the public and is hardly likely to run around holding up trains.
Many people at the time thought the sentences handed down to all the men involved in the robbery were excessively harsh. It was a crime that always rankled the "establishment," and that seems not to have changed with the passing of time.
This looks like a case of not justice, but state revenge with a distinct lack of compassion.
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Morning Colcam, don't you ever sleep?
I agree with your sentiments but would however question Ronnie's motives for returning to this country.
Kats
I agree with your sentiments but would however question Ronnie's motives for returning to this country.
Kats
Hi Kats. My hours get more and more erratic the grumpier I get.
As I understand it, his motives were clear at the time and he didn't hide them. He was sick, needed medical help, and wanted to come home before he died. He knew he would be arrested on entry to the UK, nevertheless let it be known he was returning.
Obviously he HOPED our caring government might see fit to show a little clemency after he had been returned to jail for a time. Unfortunately, with guys like Herr Blunkett and Bigears Clarke around - fat chance.
As I understand it, his motives were clear at the time and he didn't hide them. He was sick, needed medical help, and wanted to come home before he died. He knew he would be arrested on entry to the UK, nevertheless let it be known he was returning.
Obviously he HOPED our caring government might see fit to show a little clemency after he had been returned to jail for a time. Unfortunately, with guys like Herr Blunkett and Bigears Clarke around - fat chance.
Hi, Colcam,
Methinks he was a little naive then!
Don't be grumpy, it's not worth the energy it expends - take it from one who knows.
Read the Guardian Article yesterday, scary stuff - I'll stick to the sticks in the Highlands.
And thanks for the guidance to the rare books site, a rare treat indeed.
Regards
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Methinks he was a little naive then!
Don't be grumpy, it's not worth the energy it expends - take it from one who knows.
Read the Guardian Article yesterday, scary stuff - I'll stick to the sticks in the Highlands.
And thanks for the guidance to the rare books site, a rare treat indeed.
Regards
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