Home Office denies Biggs' deportation claims
Saturday, 4 August 2001 19:25The British Home Office has denied claims by Michael Biggs that he has been ordered to leave the country. Mr Biggs, who is the son of Great Train Robber, Ronnie Biggs, said that the Home Office has refused to renew his visa. This would force him to leave the country by 24 September.
However, today a Home Office spokeswoman said: " "Removal directions have not been set in view of his father's condition". She added that the case is constantly being reviewed. Ronnie Biggs, who has suffered a fourth stroke, is brain-damaged and unable to speak or eat. He is at the medical wing of London's Belmarsh prison.
In a statement today Michael Biggs said that it would destroy his father if they were parted. "I don't understand why the authorities have done this, I'm no threat to anyone and my father certainly isn't. It's inhumane. I'm very upset", he added.
Biggs came to Britain after his father gave himself up in May after 35 years on the run. He is not entitled to British citizenship as his father never married his mother, Brazilian former stripper Raimunda Rothen. His girlfriend and 1-year-old daughter joined him last week. Michael Biggs has said that he is suing, under the Human Rights Act, for the right to stay in the country.
Ronnie Biggs was sentenced to 30 years for his part in the 1963 Great Train Robbery. He escaped from Wandsworth Prison in 1965 after serving just 15 months of his sentence. The 71-year-old is not due for release until May 2020 and is not eligible for parole until May 2010.
