Michael Shields' Sisters Awarded for Release Efforts

Crime | November 17, 2009, Tuesday // 15:35
Bulgaria: Michael Shields' Sisters Awarded for Release Efforts Michael Shields, 22, was pardoned in September by the UK Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, apparently on the grounds of the confession made by another Liverpool fan who said he had committed the crime. File photo

The sisters of Liverpool fan Michael Shields, who was sentenced in Bulgaria to ten years in jail for an attack on a barman, but was recently pardoned by his home country, have won a national award for their dedication to getting him out of jail.

Melissa and Laura Shields were given the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Family Girls award at a star-studded ceremony in London last week, Liverpool Echo reported.

The pair made 32 journeys to Bulgaria to visit Michael, 22, and co-orchestrated the campaign in his support.

They were given their award by fellow Liverpool girl, model Abi Clancy. The following day all winners were taken to meet Gordon Brown’s wife Sarah at Downing Street.

Mum-of-one Melissa, 30, said: “It was a lovely night and we were made to feel very welcome.

“There were celebrities everywhere. Pixie Lott came over to congratulate us and I was chatting to Danni Minogue for ages.

“What put the icing on the cake was when Sarah Brown congratulated us. She told Michael she was very pleased he was free and was asking how my mum was because she remembered having tea with her when we were protesting in London during the campaign.”

“We fought for Michael from day one because he’s our brother and we’d do anything for him,” the article cited the other sister Laura, 28, as saying.

“You’ve got to protect and love each other because you don’t know what tomorrow might bring. We always knew he was innocent and we’re still getting used to finally having him back with us.”

Cosmopolitan’s Editor, Louise Court, said: “Melissa and Laura are an inspiration to us all and their courage and determination is phenomenal.Š This year’s awards have once again opened our eyes to many extraordinary and inspirational women.“

It’s a real honour to be able to meet people like Melissa and Laura and celebrate their achieve-ments.”

The awards were also attended by Michael, 22, who was pardoned by the UK Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, on the grounds of the confession made by another Liverpool fan who said he had committed the crime.

The 22-year-old was serving a 10-year sentence for the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman after his team's win in the 2005 Champions League final.

The victim, Martin Georgiev, had a rock dropped on his head in Varna, Bulgaria, where Shields, like a number of Liverpool fans, had broken up the journey home from Istanbul.

Shields, then 18, was found guilty of attempted murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison, which was reduced to 10 years on appeal.

He had been serving the remainder of his sentence in Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institute in Appleton Thorn, Warrington.

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