'Compelling case' to free bomber

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.

Appeal judges in Edinburgh heard Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi is terminally ill and should be released on compassionate grounds.

Al Megrahi's defence team at the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh said the former Libyan intelligence agent did not have long to live and should be released in order to reside with his family in Scotland while receiving medical treatment.

But prosecutors argue the gravity of the offence means he should remain in jail at HMP Greenock.

Al Megrahi, 56, is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 27 years for the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988 which led to the deaths of 270 people.

At the two and a half hour hearing before Scotland's Lord Justice General Lord Hamilton, Lord Kingarth and Lord Wheatley, defence counsel Maggie Scott told the court: "The appellant is terminally ill. His suffering will be reduced if he is released from prison conditions."

She added: "He is very ill and does not have long to live so bail is therefore sought on compassionate grounds."

Ms Scott went on: "There is a compelling case for the release of this man on interim liberation."

Prosecutor Ronnie Clancy QC said the gravity of the offence was the Crown's primary opposition against granting bail.

The judges have now retired to consider whether Al Megrahi will be granted interim bail ahead of his appeal which is due to take place next year. Their decision is expected at a later date.