| Share with : |
Close
|
 - del.icio.us
|
 - Digg
|
 - Facebook
|
 - reddit
|
 - StumbleUpon
|
 - Twitter
|
Ronnie Biggs’ release from custody has given him a new zest for life, according to the biographer of the seriously ill Great Train Robber.
The 79-year-old was given only days to live when he was struck down with severe pneumonia late last month, but doctors say there is now a slim chance he could survive to see Christmas.
Medway resident Mike Gray – author of Ronnie Biggs: The Inside Story – is one of only a handful of people who has been invited to visit the infamous criminal in hospital.
He told KOS Media: “I do not blame Ronnie for feeling anger and rejection against the Government and certain daily newspapers.
“He echoed to me what he told his loving son Michael – that he will find the inner strength to celebrate Michael’s 35th birthday this weekend, and possibly make it until Christmas.
“The hospital visit ended as it had started – very emotional with tears streaming down Ronnie’s cheeks.
“The man still has fight left in him, and I for one am so pleased he hasn’t given up. He’s staying strong and is clutching onto his dignity.
“The Brazilian hug and double-cheeked kiss was a strong message that he had never given up the fight, and neither had we.”
Biggs is the best-known member of a 15-strong gang that attacked the Glasgow to London mail train in August 1963, making off with £2.6 million in used banknotes in what at the time was the largest robbery in British history.
He was sentenced to 30 years in prison but escaped after 15 months and went on the run in Spain, Australia and Brazil.
Biggs gave himself up in 2001 and has served the last eight years behind bars, despite repeated pleas to release him on compassionate grounds due to his rapidly deteriorating health.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw finally caved in last week, meaning Mr Gray’s visit to Norfolk hospital was the first time he had been allowed to see Biggs without an armed guard.
He said: “Ronnie’s pneumonia is still life-threatening. He cannot move due to his fractured hip, he has a bag fitted for toilet purposes and he cannot wash or shave.
“He cannot speak, gets tired very easily and sleeps for 20 hours a day. The list is endless.
“But Ronnie’s side ward in the hospital is covered wall-to-wall in cards, letters, flowers and gifts – a true testament to his popularity.
“It shows yet again the sympathy the public have for him, knowing he’s a harmless old man who has never hurt anyone in his life and never will.
“Ronnie was being slowly crucified on the Home Office cross, but thank God he has now been removed from it. Common sense has prevailed.”
POSTED: 16/08/2009 12:00:00