Shields passes lie detector test

The 21-year-old had two hours of tests

Jailed Liverpool fan Michael Shields has passed a lie detector test taken in prison, according to his legal team.

The 21-year-old is serving a 10-year sentence for the attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria in 2005.

The test was carried out at Garth Prison in Leyland, where Shields is being held.

Organised by his lawyers and backed by Liverpool's Labour group leader Councillor Joe Anderson, it is a further attempt to clear his name.

Mr Anderson says he will use the results of the test to try to secure Shields's release.

He said "I'm confident this young man is innocent and shouldn't be in jail and I've said that for two and a half years."

Judicial Investigation

In November, Liverpool Riverside Labour MP Louise Ellman called for a judicial investigation into the case.

In a Parliamentary debate she said she had a new witness statement that claimed two other people were responsible for the attack.

Home Office officials gave permission for the test to be carried out at the request of Shields's lawyers.

Forensic psychologist Dr Keith Ashcroft assessed him before he was connected to the polygraph computer.

The tests were carried out by British Polygraphers' Association examiner Don Cargill - who carries out tests for Channel Five's The Trisha Goddard show.

Shields's heart rate, blood pressure, sweating and breathing were monitored as he was questioned and different readings taken based on his responses.

The results will form part of a dossier that Mr Anderson and the Bishop of Liverpool plan to present to the foreign secretary in January.