Bishop of Liverpool's plea over Michael Shields

The bishop, who has long campaigned for Michael to be released, wrote: "The more time I spend with him, the greater the sense of injustice I feel at his imprisonment.

"I really do believe there is a very strong case for you appointing an independent judge to review the case.

"As you know, there was no forensic evidence at his trial in Bulgaria and there is new evidence since his conviction.

"I know you cannot open the floodgates, but at the same time, I believe an independent review would protect the position of the minister for justice."

The bishop's letter followed Mr Straw's promise to speed through an evidence review before finally deciding whether to free the Edge Hill student.

Last month, the justice secretary was told he had the power to free Michael after a ruling at London's Royal Court of Justice.

Mr Straw then said government barristers would examine the fresh evidence, which the Bulgarian courts refused to consider, along with evidence from the original trial.

It includes new witness statements saying Michael was not present when barman Martin Georgiev was attacked.

Campaigners hope it will convince the justice minister to use his royal pardon.

Bishop James is understood to believe Mr Straw should appoint an independent judge to make the final decision on the case.

grego'keeffe@liverpoolecho.co.uk