Lawyers challenge Biggs decision

Lawyers for Great Train robber Ronnie Biggs have claimed Justice Secretary Jack Straw acted outside his powers in denying the 79-year-old parole.

Biggs's solicitor said laws the minister relied on when making Tuesday's decision were invalid.

The lawyers said one had been repealed and the other was overruled by the House of Lords in 2002.

The Ministry of Justice said Mr Straw has the power to reject Parole Board recommendations.

Biggs is being treated at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

He was expected to be freed on Friday had the justice secretary sanctioned a decision made by the Parole Board last month.

Mr Straw rejected the recommendation on the grounds he was not sufficiently repentant.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "The Justice Secretary absolutely retains the right to veto parole board recommendations to release prisoners sentenced for a sexual or violent offence committed prior to April 2005 and who have been given a a determinate sentence of 15 years or over."