Bishop backs campaign for Shields

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Right Rev James Jones said the failure to deal justly with the case of Michael Shields, 22, was "nothing short of a scandal".

"I have read the transcript of the trial and I have studied the case and I have talked to and listened to Michael on a number of occasions and I too believe that he is innocent, I believe with my colleagues here that this is indeed a travesty of justice," he said.

"The impotence of the system to deal justly with this case and to instigate a review is nothing short of a scandal."

Bishop Jones was speaking at a news conference alongside the fan's parents, Michael and Maria Shields, Liverpool Riverside MP Louise Ellman, and Euro MP Arlene McCarthy. The news conference was being held in advance of a judicial review into the case next week.

Shields was jailed for 15 years in Bulgaria in 2005 after a barman was attacked following Liverpool FC's European Cup Final victory in Istanbul. Despite another man confessing to the attack, Shields was locked up and his sentence was reduced to 10 years on appeal. He was transferred to the UK to serve the remainder of his sentence, but his supporters have never halted their campaign to prove his innocence.

The case was held up because of months of legal argument between the Government and the Bulgarian authorities - who say the UK has the power to free Shields. But the Government disagrees, meaning Shields would have to serve the remainder of his sentence where he is currently jailed at HMP Haverigg in Cumbria.

A judge at London's High Court decided last month that Shields' case should be heard in full by three judges and the judicial review hearing is due to begin on December 4.

Bishop Jones said it appeared to him that the fan's case had become "lost in a chasm between two jurisdictions". He added: "It is extraordinary that this should happen to somebody, especially when these two countries are within the same European Union."

An emotional Mr and Mrs Shields, both aged 48, who were wearing yellow ribbons at the press conference spoke of the "nightmare" they had suffered.