Jack Straw's political decision in Biggs case interferes with judicial jurisdiction

Jack Straw's political decision in Biggs case interferes with judicial jurisdiction

The Daily Telegraph reports...

Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs refused parole

Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs has been refused parole by Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary.



Mr Straw said the Great Train Robber was "wholly unrepentant" about his actions and had "outrageously courted the media" while on the run from prison.

He added that Biggs would have been a free man "many years ago" if he had complied with the sentence given to him.

In my view, if the Parole Board is to maintain its independence and impartiality then its decisions must be binding on the Minister of Justice, Jack Straw. The only issue is whether Biggs is deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to the public of committing a serious offence? The answer to that must be no. A judicial decision and not a political decision based on what the redtops might say is what is required to satisfy justice in this case.

For example this court decision.