Son tells of fears for Biggs' life

Published on Thursday 2 July 2009 18:57

GREAT Train Robber Ronnie Biggs could die if he does not respond to current treatment, his son said yesterday.

Biggs, 79, who was refused parole on Wednesday, is being treated in a hospital in Norwich after being moved from a nearby prison on Sunday. His son, Michael, said Biggs had pneumonia and fractures of the hip, pelvis and spine and was deteriorating.

Mr Biggs was speaking after visiting his father at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

"If he does not respond to the current treatment he is receiving there is a risk he could pass away," he said Mr Biggs. "The pneumonia is extremely strong in his body at the moment. He is in a lot of discomfort."

Mr Biggs said he could not understand Justice Secretary Jack Straw's decision to deny parole, and said his father was in such poor health he posed no risk.

"I would urge Mr Straw to come down to the hospital and see him," he added. "He cannot read or write. He cannot eat or drink."