Michael Shields

I am surprised and disappointed to hear that Jack Straw has "provisionally" rejected an appeal for a pardon from Michael Shields. The six month wait, since the High Court ruled the Justice Secretary had the power to free Michael Shields, has now ended in anguish for Michael and his family.

Like Michael Shields, I was in Istanbul in May 2005 to watch Liverpool play AC Milan in the European Cup Final; I have followed his case with great interest. I hope Mr Straw can be persuaded to reconsider his position before making his final ruling on this case.