Pardoned today by Jack Straw, announced on SSN now.
At last.
At last.
Michael Shields
- Thread starter Loch Ness Monster
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This is great news.
Hopefully he can get on with the rest of his life without holding onto too much resentment.
That shit can fuck you up.
Anyway, delight for him and his loved ones.
He'll be able to get to a game now.
Hopefully he can get on with the rest of his life without holding onto too much resentment.
That shit can fuck you up.
Anyway, delight for him and his loved ones.
He'll be able to get to a game now.
[quote author=Stu link=topic=35731.msg940548#msg940548 date=1252489944]
This is great news.
Hopefully he can get on with the rest of his life without holding onto too much resentment.
That shit can fuck you up.
Anyway, delight for him and his loved ones.
He'll be able to get to a game now.
[/quote]
Pleased for his family
regards
This is great news.
Hopefully he can get on with the rest of his life without holding onto too much resentment.
That shit can fuck you up.
Anyway, delight for him and his loved ones.
He'll be able to get to a game now.
[/quote]
Pleased for his family
regards
pleased for his family ...
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=35731.msg940575#msg940575 date=1252491849]
The convictions still stays on his record as far as I know.
it's just the penalty he's been pardoned from
[/quote]
Being released may just be a start then, will he keep trying to get his conviction quashed i wonder
The convictions still stays on his record as far as I know.
it's just the penalty he's been pardoned from
[/quote]
Being released may just be a start then, will he keep trying to get his conviction quashed i wonder
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
regards
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
because he has not got the proof
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
because he has not got the proof
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
We don't know, and that has always been the nub of the case
regards
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
We don't know, and that has always been the nub of the case
regards
[quote author=Asbo link=topic=35731.msg940614#msg940614 date=1252496079]
I still get angry the way its always 'Liverpool Football Fan'.
It wasn't at a Match.
It didn't happen in a country Liverpool had played in.
It didn't even happen during the Football Season!!!
Why why why why why ?????????
[/quote]
Wouldn't sell as many papers
I still get angry the way its always 'Liverpool Football Fan'.
It wasn't at a Match.
It didn't happen in a country Liverpool had played in.
It didn't even happen during the Football Season!!!
Why why why why why ?????????
[/quote]
Wouldn't sell as many papers
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[quote author=Spionkop69 link=topic=35731.msg940635#msg940635 date=1252499224]
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[/quote]
I know this. But it all seemed very skeptical. He could be innocent, he may not be.
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[/quote]
I know this. But it all seemed very skeptical. He could be innocent, he may not be.
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940637#msg940637 date=1252499373]
[quote author=Spionkop69 link=topic=35731.msg940635#msg940635 date=1252499224]
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[/quote]
I know this. But it all seemed very skeptical. He could be innocent, he may not be.
[/quote]
So why would he do this?
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/...ine=graham-sankey-s-confession-name_page.html
[quote author=Spionkop69 link=topic=35731.msg940635#msg940635 date=1252499224]
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[/quote]
I know this. But it all seemed very skeptical. He could be innocent, he may not be.
[/quote]
So why would he do this?
http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/...ine=graham-sankey-s-confession-name_page.html
Why has his conviction not been done away with it?
Why do eye witnesses in Bulgaria still maintain it was him who done it?
I just think it's strange. The fact that Sankey will probably not be jailed either.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for Shield's family and that, but I do think there is more to this whole case.
Why do eye witnesses in Bulgaria still maintain it was him who done it?
I just think it's strange. The fact that Sankey will probably not be jailed either.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for Shield's family and that, but I do think there is more to this whole case.
[quote author=Spionkop69 link=topic=35731.msg940635#msg940635 date=1252499224]
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[/quote]
I am not sure on the strength of the evidence to the contrary Spion, but the Sankey stuff was a bit thin.
He claims he was being chased picked up a brick and lobbed it and it hit someone on the head. That is very different to the injuries the victim picked up when he had a slab dropped on his head/face.
Sankey withdrew his confession "9th March: Graham Sankey has now withdrawn his confession for the crime that Michael Shields is serving 15 years for. His solicitor claims, “It is our belief that we may be talking about two entirely separate incidentsâ€.
It is believed it was to do with going to Bulgaria to give evidence and possibly stand trial , but thought that a remote confession would get Shields off, which it was never going to.
I honestly don't know if the lad is innocent or not, and I would suggest that applies to 99.999% of us. In which case we have to give the bennefit of the doubt to the Bulgarian legal system.
The thing is his mum and dad have him back home, and it is them I really can feel sorry for in all this
regards
[quote author=Paddy link=topic=35731.msg940606#msg940606 date=1252495286]
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=35731.msg940605#msg940605 date=1252495049]
To get his conviction quashed they would have to prove he was innocent, and there lies the problem
regards
[/quote]
Because he probably aint?
[/quote]
Hmmm, Paddy. There appears to plenty of evidence to the contrary. Some chap even confessed, until he realised he would have to go to Bulgaria and stand trial - Graham Sankey was the name.
[/quote]
I am not sure on the strength of the evidence to the contrary Spion, but the Sankey stuff was a bit thin.
He claims he was being chased picked up a brick and lobbed it and it hit someone on the head. That is very different to the injuries the victim picked up when he had a slab dropped on his head/face.
Sankey withdrew his confession "9th March: Graham Sankey has now withdrawn his confession for the crime that Michael Shields is serving 15 years for. His solicitor claims, “It is our belief that we may be talking about two entirely separate incidentsâ€.
It is believed it was to do with going to Bulgaria to give evidence and possibly stand trial , but thought that a remote confession would get Shields off, which it was never going to.
I honestly don't know if the lad is innocent or not, and I would suggest that applies to 99.999% of us. In which case we have to give the bennefit of the doubt to the Bulgarian legal system.
The thing is his mum and dad have him back home, and it is them I really can feel sorry for in all this
regards
Sankey could have dropped himself in the shit anyway, attention could be turning to him...................
Attention in the Michael Shields case could now turn to another Liverpool fan, Graham Sankey, who confessed that he inflicted the injuries on barman Martin Georgiev.
Sankey confessed he threw a concrete slab at Martin Georgiev during a brawl at the Golden Sands holiday resort at Varna, Bulgaria, on 29th May 2005.
In July 2005, in a statement released through a solicitor Sankey, then aged 20, said he had decided to sign a sworn confession after a Bulgarian judge dismissed any verbal admission of guilt as inadmissible evidence.
Sankey had himself been arrested and released by Bulgarian police in Varna after the assault on the barman.
He admitted lying to police about inflicting injuries on Mr Georgiev so that he could escape prosecution.
At the time he said his 'tormented conscience' could not allow him to see Michael Shields wrongly take the blame.
Sankey also admitted that he had drunk a full bottle of vodka and a large amount of lager throughout the day leading up to the attack.
In the statement he said: "I remember seeing a disturbance and a fight was taking place involving a large number of people.
"I could see bottles being thrown and as I drew closer a bottle smashed on the wall behind my head.
"As I turned to see where the bottle had come from I saw three men running towards me with bottles and bricks in their hands.
"I panicked and stupidly picked up a brick and threw it in the direction of the men running towards me. I saw the brick hit one of them.
"The following day I was questioned by an investigator. I was absolutely terrified and I denied any involvement in the incident.
"My conscience has been tormenting me ever since I read in the papers about Michael's trial, and I felt I could not let an innocent man take the blame for what I have done.
"I expected the Bulgarian court to accept my admission and free Mr Shields. I was horrified that the court has refused to do this.
"So I am making this signed confession in the hope that an innocent man will no longer have to take responsibility for what I admit are my actions.
"I want to say that I bitterly regret what I did to Mr Georgiev. I wholeheartedly apologise to him, his family and the Bulgarian authorities.
"I am only 20-years-old and am appalled that I have ruined Mr Georgiev's life and that Michael Shields, an innocent man, has received blame for what I did.
"I just wish I had my time over again."
Within weeks Sankey, of Charnley Drive, Wavertree, Liverpool, retracted his confession.
Sankey was later convicted of a drunken racial abuse of a black doorman at a Liverpool night club in August 2007 and was jailed for five months.
At his trial the court heard that he had a string of public order convictions including possessing an offensive weapon and being drunk and disorderly.
Attention in the Michael Shields case could now turn to another Liverpool fan, Graham Sankey, who confessed that he inflicted the injuries on barman Martin Georgiev.
Sankey confessed he threw a concrete slab at Martin Georgiev during a brawl at the Golden Sands holiday resort at Varna, Bulgaria, on 29th May 2005.
In July 2005, in a statement released through a solicitor Sankey, then aged 20, said he had decided to sign a sworn confession after a Bulgarian judge dismissed any verbal admission of guilt as inadmissible evidence.
Sankey had himself been arrested and released by Bulgarian police in Varna after the assault on the barman.
He admitted lying to police about inflicting injuries on Mr Georgiev so that he could escape prosecution.
At the time he said his 'tormented conscience' could not allow him to see Michael Shields wrongly take the blame.
Sankey also admitted that he had drunk a full bottle of vodka and a large amount of lager throughout the day leading up to the attack.
In the statement he said: "I remember seeing a disturbance and a fight was taking place involving a large number of people.
"I could see bottles being thrown and as I drew closer a bottle smashed on the wall behind my head.
"As I turned to see where the bottle had come from I saw three men running towards me with bottles and bricks in their hands.
"I panicked and stupidly picked up a brick and threw it in the direction of the men running towards me. I saw the brick hit one of them.
"The following day I was questioned by an investigator. I was absolutely terrified and I denied any involvement in the incident.
"My conscience has been tormenting me ever since I read in the papers about Michael's trial, and I felt I could not let an innocent man take the blame for what I have done.
"I expected the Bulgarian court to accept my admission and free Mr Shields. I was horrified that the court has refused to do this.
"So I am making this signed confession in the hope that an innocent man will no longer have to take responsibility for what I admit are my actions.
"I want to say that I bitterly regret what I did to Mr Georgiev. I wholeheartedly apologise to him, his family and the Bulgarian authorities.
"I am only 20-years-old and am appalled that I have ruined Mr Georgiev's life and that Michael Shields, an innocent man, has received blame for what I did.
"I just wish I had my time over again."
Within weeks Sankey, of Charnley Drive, Wavertree, Liverpool, retracted his confession.
Sankey was later convicted of a drunken racial abuse of a black doorman at a Liverpool night club in August 2007 and was jailed for five months.
At his trial the court heard that he had a string of public order convictions including possessing an offensive weapon and being drunk and disorderly.
In fairness to Straw he explicitly stated that the reason Shields was being released was because Shields is innocent of the crime.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/09/liverpool-fan-michael-shields-pardoned
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/09/liverpool-fan-michael-shields-pardoned
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=35731.msg940716#msg940716 date=1252513394]
In fairness to Straw he explicitly stated that the reason Shields was being released was because Shields is innocent of the crime.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/09/liverpool-fan-michael-shields-pardoned
[/quote]
Fucking politicians. Hate the bastards. All self serving two faced twats.
There is no way on this earth Straw could know if he is guilty or not. I happen to believe that the weight of probability is that he is. However it is wonderful news for his family.
In fairness to Straw he explicitly stated that the reason Shields was being released was because Shields is innocent of the crime.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2009/sep/09/liverpool-fan-michael-shields-pardoned
[/quote]
Fucking politicians. Hate the bastards. All self serving two faced twats.
There is no way on this earth Straw could know if he is guilty or not. I happen to believe that the weight of probability is that he is. However it is wonderful news for his family.
Straw's never stopped being a student union politician. The man's well-meaning but such a self-conscious ditherer. He's basically reveresed his judgement out of panic without really explaining what's new that's changed his mind. He's a sitting duck now for every other case on the shelf.
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=35731.msg940736#msg940736 date=1252515889]
Straw probably knows a lot more than you about it Froggie.
[/quote]
Quite possibly. But do you believe Straw went through the trial evidence himself (assuming it was trasnlated into Englsih - which it probably wasn't) ? He will have received a brief from a lawyer somewhere that probably doesn't speak Bulgarian and received a much watered down version of the trail transcripts (if any exist) with a summary (which is probably the only thing he most likely will have read).
However even more likely is he just acted on legal advice and hasn't the faintest what it's all about.
I'm with Vlad on this one - I am more likely to find credibility in the Bulgarian court evidence than a young lad's lawyer. All irrelevant now though.
Forget Shields is young, a Liverpool supporter, and English, just for a minute and think of Mr Giorgiev who is the one who really needs our sympathy. Not that I think you personally , Rosco, need reminding of that.
Straw probably knows a lot more than you about it Froggie.
[/quote]
Quite possibly. But do you believe Straw went through the trial evidence himself (assuming it was trasnlated into Englsih - which it probably wasn't) ? He will have received a brief from a lawyer somewhere that probably doesn't speak Bulgarian and received a much watered down version of the trail transcripts (if any exist) with a summary (which is probably the only thing he most likely will have read).
However even more likely is he just acted on legal advice and hasn't the faintest what it's all about.
I'm with Vlad on this one - I am more likely to find credibility in the Bulgarian court evidence than a young lad's lawyer. All irrelevant now though.
Forget Shields is young, a Liverpool supporter, and English, just for a minute and think of Mr Giorgiev who is the one who really needs our sympathy. Not that I think you personally , Rosco, need reminding of that.
Don't give me the sanctimonious shit Froggie.
You realise that there are witnesses that say Shields was comatose when the attack happened ?
Do you realise that Sankey and another fella were already in custody for the attack when the police went back to the hotel to find the third guy (described as being 5'7 with dark hair) ? Shields being 6 foot tall with blond hair, was arrested and made to wear clothes similar to the attacker.
No physical evidence was ever produced in court despite there being plenty from the scene.
You realise that there are witnesses that say Shields was comatose when the attack happened ?
Do you realise that Sankey and another fella were already in custody for the attack when the police went back to the hotel to find the third guy (described as being 5'7 with dark hair) ? Shields being 6 foot tall with blond hair, was arrested and made to wear clothes similar to the attacker.
No physical evidence was ever produced in court despite there being plenty from the scene.
- Status
