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Ronnie Biggs still poses a risk of mixing with other criminals and becoming involved in crime after his release from prison, an official report warns.
The Parole Board report, drawn up to assess the 79-year-old Great Train Robber's suitability for release, says there is “little evidence” that Biggs's attitude to crime has changed, and that only his age and poor health have reduced the threat of him returning to violent offending.
The report says that because Biggs is now unable to speak or move easily — he is fed through a tube and communicates using an “alphabet panel” after suffering a series of strokes — he is safe to release despite his unreformed attitudes.
The report says that Biggs has expressed “no regret” over his role in the £2.6 million train robbery and now claims that his gang gave only a “light tap” to driver Jack Mills, who never recovered after being hit on the head with an iron bar during the raid.
Today's revelations come eight days before Biggs is scheduled to be released from prison after serving a third of the 30-year sentence for his part in the 1963 crime.
They are likely to dismay those who feel that Biggs, who became the country's most notorious fugitive after escaping from Wandsworth Prison in 1965 and spending 35 years on the run, has failed to recognise the gravity of his role in the crime or be adequately punished.
The Parole Board report concedes that Biggs's release — which has still to be formally approved by Justice Secretary Jack Straw — is likely to prompt public and political debate, but says that because the risks can “safely be managed” he should be freed. The report states: “In terms of his attitude and risk areas there is little evidence beyond his increased age to suggest that, if he were able to return to his old criminal associates and lifestyle, the risk of involvement in further violent offending has reduced significantly.
“He does not regret his offending.”
The report also reveals that Biggs, who will live in a Barnet nursing home at taxpayers' expense after his release, now claims that Mr Mills had been only gently hit during the train robbery — even though the crime was described in the Court of Appeal as an act of “organised brutality” that was “ruthlessly” carried out.
“Mr Biggs now describes what happened to the train driver as a light tap'. He says he has no regrets about the conspiracy and subsequent events,” the report adds.
“What has quite plainly reduced enormously is his capacity to reoffend,” the report continues.
“The medical evidence indicates overwhelmingly that his own ability to commit further acts of violence has reduced to an extremely low level.”
The report, which was compiled by a panel of three Parole Board officials, emphasises that Biggs still poses some risks, however, and states that: “The panel is not persuaded that risk arising from association with criminal peers and consequent indirect involvement in offending is necessarily equally low.
“However, the risk management plan and circumstances in which he will live mean that any increase in risk or association with criminal peers will be identified very quickly and can be managed.”
Biggs's release is due on 3 July when the minimum term that he must serve in prison expires.
It follows his voluntary return to Britain in 2001 after 35 years on the run. He was jailed for 30 years after joining the 15-man gang that stole £2.6 million from the mail train in Buckinghamshire in 1963, but escaped after 15 months by scaling the walls of Wandsworth Prison and fleeing abroad to live in Spain, Australia and Brazil.
Mr Mills never recovered from his injuries and died in 1970. It was never established which member of the gang inflicted his injuries.
Biggs' lawyer Giovanni di Stefano said that he was pleased with the Parole Board's decision that the Great Train Robber was safe to release and said officials had acted with “common sense” in reaching their verdict.
He added: “I thank the Parole Poard and the authorities in this case for acting with correctness and common sense and that what Mr Biggs has been granted by the health authority is no more or less than any other pensioner on limited means.”
Read the full Parole Board report on Ronnie Biggs (pdf)
Reader views (52)
Jack Straw need to get his head out of his own fundament and take a good look at where the real crime is being committed - from his own peers and those on the streets that this government cannot or will not check up on.
- Hereward, Copenhagen, Denmark, 06/07/2009 09:17
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Whoever wrote this should check the facts. Mills died from an unrelated illness years later, he was hit in the face with a fist and fell back and hit his head. I've seen him in prison, he is in a wheelchair, the idea of him committing a crime is ridiculous. He's done his time now. Journalism like this is cheap and obviously the author wants to get noticed. Go on Big Brother and learn to wtite honestly.
- Kf, Barnet, London, 26/06/2009 10:00
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Quote
Anyone else think this is a bit strange? A robber who accidently killed a man (manslaughter) is jailed for 35 years? And kept there without parole? I've seen people who have done a lot worse, who actually planned to main and murder people, only get 7 years and let out after 5.
- Bob H, Milton Keynes, UK End of Quote
No one was killed during the robbery and no ever charged and don't bother reading history books anymore as in my lifetime i see it rewrittn daily ie. The French don't celebrate their "Liberation " by the Allies anymore it is now "Victory Day" celebrating their glorious victory over the Germans
- Ereed, Bournemouth,UK, 26/06/2009 09:41
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I thought he was diagnosed as having dementia/Alzheimers (as well as other health probs?) So how can he be a risk with that terrible illness?
Where they lying to us to get him out of prison earlier?
I do object to him receiving preferential care outside compared to totally innocent people being denied the same service.
- Jay, Birmingham England, 26/06/2009 09:08
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Anyone else think this is a bit strange? A robber who accidently killed a man (manslaughter) is jailed for 35 years? And kept there without parole? I've seen people who have done a lot worse, who actually planned to main and murder people, only get 7 years and let out after 5.
- Bob H, Milton Keynes, UK, 26/06/2009 08:26
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What purpose is served by keeping a sick old man under lock and key? This is just a case of the State being spiteful, malicious and vindictive. This sort of attitude should be saved for the modern day thugs.
- Oceaneagle, Goring on Thames, 26/06/2009 08:25
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you cannot punish someone because you think they might commit a crime in the future
- Jj, reston, usa, 26/06/2009 03:19
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Hardly, in his state of health. Its pointless perpetuating revenge, hasn't he suffered enough? Its nice to see so many compassionate comments on this site. The art of forgiveness still not yet understood.
- Anikar, Norfolk, 26/06/2009 02:36
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Biggsy made fools of the Royal Mail and hence the government of the day - their reaction is punish punish punish.
Molest a child? Just 12 years seems the average - is that fair?
- Victhebrit, Nara, Japan, 26/06/2009 02:32
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In a society which essentially has a revolving door justice system, where criminals walk into court, are found guilty, and walk straight out of court again with ridiculously light sentences, this decision by the parole board is nothing less than sheer vindictiveness, brought about the way Biggs made them look so stupid all those years ago.
- Len, Perth, 26/06/2009 01:46
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Why should my taxes keep him? He did his crime, legged it and then returned when he was sick. As the Sun was so instrumental in helping him come back, let them foot his nursing home/prison bills. He is certainly not a risk to anyone now. Typical Britain - reward those who do as they wish.
Amber in Mitcham
- Amber In Mitcham, Mitcham Surrey, 25/06/2009 22:38
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How can a dying 79 year old man be "a risk" ?
-a risk of possibly failing to tie his shoelaces, or simular triva ?
No more excuses. He served his time. Let him out.
- Andy Parks, London, UK, 25/06/2009 22:15
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is hes lawyer paid by the state because he shore sounds expensive!!
- Kc, Londonboy, 25/06/2009 22:06
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To Mark, South East London - Yes it's true Jack Mill died of Leukemia, but that was seven years after the robbery. He never fully recovered from his injury and never worked again.
- Kevin Mcgowan, Woodinville, USA, 25/06/2009 18:13
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why let him out? he made a mockery of the system for so long, so to let him out would be the final two fingers up to society. keep him locked up.
he was invovled in jack mills' death. they attacked an innocent man and ruined his life. Biggs shows no remorse and never has done. why should he be let out?
- Jim Jam, london, 25/06/2009 17:42
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is there a possibility he may offend again like a number of murderers, rapists and child molesters, if so keep him inside.
- Ken Salvidge, rochester.england, 25/06/2009 17:14
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To Mark, South East London - So it's OK to hit a train driver on the head with an iron bar during a raid, is it? And never apologise? Good on YOU!
- Haskey, London SE1, 25/06/2009 16:54
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Two points here:-
1. They were not made scapegoats because of the profile of the case because they robbed a "Royal Mail" train and in those days that was pretty unheard of.
2. Whilst I agree sentences have gone down over the years, that has been due to overcrowding in jails. Not all murderers get leneient sentences, the longest these days are 34 years or a tariff never to be released.
- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England, 25/06/2009 16:43
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He looks dangerous
- Mick Wright, wellingborough uk, 25/06/2009 15:57
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at least he is not as dangerous as the MP's of this country
- London Eye, London, 25/06/2009 15:45
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He is still a danger to society?? come off it and show some compassion pretend he was just another thieving MP who will get re elected
- Ereed, Bournemouth, UK, 25/06/2009 15:36
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What as...an illicit distiller of Last of the Summer Wine...?..where does Britain get these 'officials'...get a life..................................
- Soho, London SW1, 25/06/2009 15:11
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The man has one last big job up his sleeve before he faces eternity in purgatory, just to stick 2 fingers up at the CJS. I wouldn't be surprised if he were masterminding it from his sick bed. Once a villan, always a villan in the case of Biggs.
- Dhan Raj, basildon, 25/06/2009 14:47
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What is crazy about this is the length of the original sentences that they received: 30+ years which is far longer than any murderer or rapist. They were all made scape goats because it was such a high profile case and now those in charge of the judicial system are still not letting it go. If the same crime was committed today they would get between 5-10 years each.
- Andrew, St. John's Wood, London, 25/06/2009 14:35
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Biggs may not be a lot better but he is certainly not worse then people like Ann & Alan Keen.
Biggs came from nothing and saw how the greedy 'so-called' elite stole left, right and centre from the tax payers.
Think of this way:
The Keens and their ilk, KNOW they are stealing from people, many of whom are struggling to feed their children &/or trying to keep a roof over their heads.
It's time for the tax and fraud squads to start a serious investigation (retroactive if possible). The stolen &/or hidden money and properties would render a fortune. It's the only way to stop these thieving pigs.
- Ex London, Germany, 25/06/2009 14:19
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Biggs received the sentence of the time for what he did (broadly in line with all the other Great Train Robbers). He did not serve it all and for many years was content to rely on the absence of an extradition treaty with Brazil; two fingers to Britain.
It is perfectly reasonable to contend that he spent some of the best years of his life as a free man when he ought not. My recollection is that when things got sufficiently rough for him in Brazil, he wanted back to the land of his birth.
Comparing Biggs with the criminals of today, their setences and the actions of the Parole Board is facile. The questions is, should he be released or not and if not what to do with him. Frankly, one way or the other he has cost this country a lot of money. If the reports as to his health are accurate, he is hardly going to mix with other, younger criminals.
My view: he should cost us no more but the "price" for his freedom is that his family meets the cost of looking after him and if they do not want to do so or cannot afford it, back to jail he goes for the rest of his life.
- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England, 25/06/2009 14:04
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Biggs has 'had it off.' He had the best years of his life on the run, and now he's looked after in his dotage, even if it is in prison. I bet if he'd been given the option to defer his sentence for 35 years he would have taken it like a shot!
- Paul, London, 25/06/2009 13:59
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GORDON brown is a bigger thret to society than biggs,and the crooks inte commons,he should be let out on GOOD behaveyour
- Phil, usa, 25/06/2009 13:49
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This is plainly rediculous-if not vindictive. Biggs is no threat to anyone but is being treated worse than the murderers of baby P. or the social worker supported moronic thugs who knife and shoot innocent bystanders. Remind me again- how many decades will they stay inside?
- Richard Meredith, huntingdon, 25/06/2009 13:48
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Oi Ranter, Maidstone. Don't forget dey all luved der Mums too Bruv. Them was the daze!
- Chris, Brighton, England., 25/06/2009 13:22
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It is time Harry Roberts was let out. He has been in well over his initial sentence & is costing the tax payer more money
- Harry Roberts, Wormwood, 25/06/2009 13:18
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his peers? So that would be a gang of geriatric 80 year olds!. LOCK THE DOORS!
- Michael, Sydney, Australia, 25/06/2009 13:10
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To Haskey SE1 and Mark, London I would like to point out and Jack Mills died of Leukaemia and at the inquest into his death the coroner confirmed that his death was not a result of the injury sustained in the robbery.
I personally think the GTR sentences were far too severe, but he got 25 and he should serve them even that will mean he dies in prison. More importantly this parole hearing should be a benchmark meaning all the scummy lowlifes currently at Her Majesty's pleasure should serve their full sentences.
- Mark, South-East London, 25/06/2009 12:59
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Let him out, The question is who wrote this report is crazy and need to be lock up. Ronnie Biggs still poses a risk of mixing with other criminals and becoming involved in crime after his release from prison, an official report warns. Rubbish,this person is not honest, what does he want to prove.
- Scott, Netherland, 25/06/2009 12:53
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Let him out so his family could take care of him. He only came back from Brazil because he is sick.
Useless piece of work!
- Max, Twickenham, 25/06/2009 12:48
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Mugs the lot of ya, leave ol's wonnie alone fer gawds sake, leave 'im to 'ave a bit o' dignity so he can ave a few nice 'do's wiv all his old mates from that fairytale underworld we all know and love, when villains were villains an' only done each uvver in so we could all keep our back doors unlocked and there were no muggers like wot we have now out there.....happy daze, Good luck to yer Wonnie, may you linger fer a long time to come.....just so we can see what a pathetic waste of DNA you really are!
- Ranter, Maidstone, UK, 25/06/2009 12:30
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like a few people here, the Parole board has lost touch with reality.
he's a frail old man, who had bugger all to do with his act of great infamy.
let him out and move on.
- Scott, London, 25/06/2009 12:03
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Biggs should die in jail - he should not have the opportunity to laugh at British justice and associate with the criminals of today. Biggs and his gang committed murder - they killed Mr Mills, it just took him 7 yrs to die.
- Mark, London, 25/06/2009 11:57
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i don't know about anyone else out there. but do you just get that feeling that we are just a bunch of MUGS....
what would happen to normal people like us if we turned around and said 'poke your council tax, poke your NI contributions and stuff your tax's where the sun don't shine'.
guarantee you'd serve longer in prison than that thing has.
- Jonny, London, 25/06/2009 11:31
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This is absolutely unbelievable, the parole board must have their brains upside down.
- Ola, london, 25/06/2009 11:03
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And he is receiving medical care at a huge cost to the hard working tax payer, after having contributed absolutely nothing towards our society. A criminal leach that should have been left to rot in Brazil.
British Justice? What a joke our society is under these filthy Liberal-Lefty scum.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 25/06/2009 11:01
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Hardly surprising the the criminal justice system in this country has no credibility. Biggs is no angel, but he's nearly 80 and in poor health. Simple humanity should determine the outcome.
Of course, if he were a murderer, rapist or child abuser, he'd have been out years ago.
The Parole Board expresses some concern that he may associate with crminals. I'm sure Biggs could be persuaded to give an undertaking not to contact any Members of Parliament!
- John C, Leatherhead, UK, 25/06/2009 10:48
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Keep him in prison,you can see that he still looks a danger to society,and it only costs us tax payer's £37,500 a year to keep him there. !!!!!!!
- Richard, Streatham, 25/06/2009 10:46
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Once he's released, just wait for the 'miraculous' recovery, the TV chat shows, the meetings with all the surviving gang members, PR representation by Max Clifford, a book, a film and a general good laugh about what naughty boys they were... "I done my time, I'm entitled!"
And still no apology to the Jack Mills' family. What an icon to today's youth!
- Haskey, London SE1, 25/06/2009 10:45
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I imagine a nursing home is cheaper than prison and pretty much as unpleasant, so fair enough really. Biggs is clearly a nasty piece of work all round though and it's right he's not been let out until there really is no chance of him taking any part in crime - actively or passively.
- Derek, London, 25/06/2009 10:42
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No wonder this country is the laughing stock of the world. Here we have a dying man who they won't let out of prison whose no harm to anyone, and yet every day some do gooders on a Prison Board decide to let out lots of violent criminals onto our streets, only to re-offend within a few days!
- Sue, Orpington, Kent, 25/06/2009 10:36
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there is no good reason to keep this old lag incarcerated when rapists, murderers and paedophiles are released upon society on a daily basis after the most minimal sentences.
- Squiz, Islington, 25/06/2009 10:25
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Still a danger/menace to society, Christ the parole board should get out more. How many violent criminals have these people released to commit further murder and mayhem, yet an old man being fed through a tube, paralyzed, communicating by keyboard, is likely to return to violent offending.
No wonder the criminal justice system is held with such contempt.
- Steve M, LONDON, 25/06/2009 10:25
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Yes, he should remain in prison as an example of how tough this Gov' is on crime. Well can only be given on convicts, as catching any more may affect the Health & Safety of serving police officers, and we cannot have that.
- William, Hay~Heath UK, 25/06/2009 10:25
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He should not be released. He should die in prison.
- Prototypical Englishman, Wormwood Scrubs, 25/06/2009 10:21
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Ironic that they won't let a 79 year old dying man out of prison on parole becuse he's a "risk" but they'll quite happily let murderers and rapists out to commit further crimes after having served a fraction of their sentences.
- Bob, Cheam, 25/06/2009 10:14
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It is a great shame the same test is not applied to some of the other criminals being considered for and granted parole- a great many of whom seem to associate with criminals on their return and also re-offend.
- Andy, london, 25/06/2009 10:13
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