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56-992: Ronalds is a surname and a given name. Notable people with the name include: This name is the Latvian equivalent of Ronald . See Latvian name for explanation. Ronald For other uses, see Ronald (disambiguation) . Not to be confused with Roland (name) . messi Pronunciation / ˈ r ɒ n əl d / Gender Male Language(s) English Origin Language(s) Old Norse, Old English Word/name Rögnvaldr , Regenweald Derivation regin + valdr or regen + weald Meaning "advice", "decision" + "ruler" Other names Short form(s) Ron Pet form (s) Roni, Ronnie , Ronny Related names Raghnall , Ronalda, Ronaldson , Rhona , Ronaldo , Reynold , Rainald , Renaud, Reinhold , Rónán Ronald
112-533: A carpenter . In February 1960, he married 21-year-old Charmian (Brent) Powell in Swanage , the daughter of a primary school headmaster. They had three sons together. In 1963, Biggs, who needed money to fund a deposit on the purchase of a house for his family, happened to be working on the house of a train driver who was about to retire. The driver has been variously identified as "Stan Agate", or because of his age, "Old Pete" or "Pop". The train driver's real name
168-1044: A founding member of The Dubliners Ronald Dupree , American baseball player Ron Eldard , American actor Ronald Evans (1933–1990), American astronaut Ronald Ferguson (polo) , father of Sarah, Duchess of York Ronald Ferguson (economist) , American researcher of the racial education achievement gap Ronald Fisher (1890–1962), British statistician and geneticist Ronald Florijn , Dutch rower Ronald J. Garan, Jr. , American astronaut Ronald Girones , Cuban judoka Ronald Gora , American swimmer Ronald Green (1944-2012), American-Israeli basketball player Ron McClure , Jazz bassist Ronald McNeill, 1st Baron Cushendun , British Conservative politician Ron Greenwood (1921–2006), English football player and manager Ron Guidry , American baseball pitcher, New York Yankees Ron Hackenberger (born 1935), American businessman and car collector Ronald Max Hartwell , Australian historian Ronald Harvey (cricketer) , English cricketer Ronald A. Heifetz , cofounder of
224-1487: A number of bands from the 1980s to the modern day Ronalds Ķēniņš , Latvian ice hockey player Ronald Kent Jr. (born 1999), American football player Ron Kind , American congressman Ronald Klink , Democratic politician and former United States Representative from Pennsylvania Ronald Koeman , Dutch football (soccer) player and coach Ronald Kray , English gangster Ron LeFlore (athlete), Detroit Tigers Ronald Lacey (1935–1991) British actor Ronald Lanzoni , Costa Rican long-distance runner Dr. Ronald Leung , Hong Kong politician and businessman in banking Ron Mael , American musician and songwriter Ronald Mallett , American physicist Ronald Mason Jr. , African-American university president Rónald Matarrita , Costa Rican footballer Ronald Méndez , Venezuelan volleyball player Ronald Michaud , American cartoonist Ronald D. Moore , American screenwriter and television producer David Ronald Musgrove , Democratic politician and former governor of Mississippi, better known as "Ronnie Musgrove" Ronald Clark O'Bryan (1944-1984), American murderer Ronnie O'Sullivan , British snooker player Ronald Patrick (born 1991), American football player Ron Paul , Texan congressman Ronald Pelton , American intelligence analyst and convicted spy Ronald Pereira Martins (born 2001), Brazilian footballer Ron Perlman , American actor Ron Petersen (born 1934), American mycologist using
280-410: A nursing home. In response to claims that Biggs's state of health had been faked, his lawyer stated, "This man is going to die, there is going to be no Lazarus coming back from the dead, he is ill, he is seriously ill." However, Biggs himself stated, "I've got a bit of living to do yet. I might even surprise them all by lasting until Christmas [of 2010], that would be fantastic." On 29 May 2010, Biggs
336-510: A pint of bitter ". John Mills, son of train driver Jack Mills, was unforgiving: "I deeply resent those, including Biggs, who have made money from my father's death. Biggs should serve his punishment." Mills never fully recovered from his injuries sustained during the robbery. He died of an unrelated cause ( leukaemia ) in 1970. On 14 November 2001, Biggs petitioned Governor Hynd of HMP Belmarsh for early release on compassionate grounds based on his poor health. He had been treated four times at
392-571: A reward from the British police; however, like Brazil, Barbados was found to have had no valid extradition treaty with the United Kingdom (a fact which chess player David Levy claimed to have paid lawyers to unearth) and Biggs was sent back to Brazil. In February 2006, Channel 4 aired a documentary featuring dramatisations of the attempted kidnapping and interviews with John Miller, the ex- British Army soldier who carried it out. The team
448-581: A senior partner at King & Wood Mallesons. Ron Atkinson , English football manager Ronald Azuma , American computer scientist Ronald Bandell (1946–2015), Dutch mayor Ronnie Barker (1929–2005), British comedian, known as one half of The Two Ronnies Ronnie Belliard , retired American baseball player Ronnie Biggs , British train robber Ron Blomberg (born 1948), American major league baseball player Ronald Breslow (1931–2017), American chemist Ronald Burkle , American businessman Ronnie Burns (actor) , part-time actor best noted as
504-479: A series of strokes were said to have rendered him unable to speak or walk. His son Michael had also claimed that the Parole Board might bring the release date forward to July. On 13 February that year, it was reported that Biggs had been taken to hospital from his cell at Norwich Prison, suffering from pneumonia . This was confirmed the following day by his son Michael, who said Biggs had serious pneumonia but
560-492: Is a cognate from Spanish and Portuguese. People with the name [ edit ] Ronald I of Buganda Ronald Acuña , Venezuelan baseball player Ronald Alcock (died 1991), British stamp dealer and philatelic speaker Ronalds Arājs , Latvian athlete Ronald Arculli , Former chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, Non-official Members Convenor of the Executive Council of Hong Kong (Exco) and
616-717: Is a masculine given name derived from the Old Norse Rögnvaldr , or possibly from Old English Regenweald . In some cases Ronald is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic Raghnall , a name likewise derived from Rögnvaldr . The latter name is composed of the Old Norse elements regin ("advice", "decision") and valdr ("ruler"). Ronald was originally used in England and Scotland , where Scandinavian influences were once substantial, although now
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#1732773313713672-486: Is different from Wikidata All set index articles Ronnie Biggs Ronald Arthur Biggs (8 August 1929 – 18 December 2013) was an English criminal who helped plan and carry out the Great Train Robbery of 1963 . He subsequently became notorious for his escape from prison in 1965, living as a fugitive for 36 years, and for his various publicity stunts while in exile. In 2001, Biggs returned to
728-521: Is unknown, since he was never caught. Biggs introduced the driver to the train robbery plot, which involved Reynolds. Biggs was given the job of arranging for Agate to move the Royal Mail train after it had been waylaid. On the night of the hold up, Biggs told his wife he was off logging with Reynolds in Wiltshire . The gang then stopped the mail train in the early hours of 8 August 1963, which
784-720: The Port of Melbourne , using the altered passport of a friend; his wife and sons remained in Australia. Twenty days later, the ship berthed in Panama and within two weeks Biggs had flown to Brazil . Following disclosure of Biggs' fathering a child in Brazil, Charmian agreed to a divorce in 1974, which was completed in 1976. Allowed by authorities to remain in Australia, she reverted to her maiden name of Brent and sold her story for £40,000 to an Australian media group to enable her to purchase
840-583: The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, London , in less than six months. His health was deteriorating rapidly, and he asked to be released into the care of his son for his remaining days. The application was denied. On 10 August 2005, it was reported that Biggs had contracted MRSA . His representatives, seeking for his release on grounds of compassion, said that their client's death was likely to be imminent. On 26 October 2005, Home Secretary Charles Clarke declined his appeal, stating that his illness
896-662: The Royal Air Force . He was dishonourably discharged for desertion two years later after breaking into a local chemist shop. One month after that, he was convicted of stealing a car and sentenced to prison. On his release, Biggs took part in a failed robbery attempt of a bookmaker's office in Lambeth , London. During his incarceration in HM Prison Wandsworth , he met Bruce Reynolds . After his third prison sentence, Biggs tried to go straight and trained as
952-532: The Royal Navy frigate HMS Danae (F47) , which was in Rio for a courtesy visit, but he was not arrested. Though in Brazil he was safe from extradition, Biggs's status as a known criminal meant he could not work, visit bars or be away from home after 10 p.m. To provide an income, Biggs's family hosted barbecues at his home in Rio, where tourists could meet Biggs and hear him recount his involvement in
1008-611: The Sex Pistols . The basic tracks for " No One is Innocent " (a.k.a. "The Biggest Blow (A Punk Prayer)"/"Cosh The Driver") and " Belsen Was a Gas " were recorded with guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook at a studio in Brazil shortly after the Sex Pistols' final performance, with overdubs added in an English studio at a later date. "No One is Innocent" was released as a single in the UK on 30 June 1978 and reached number 7 in
1064-594: The UK Singles Chart . The sleeve showed a British actor dressed as Nazi leader Martin Bormann playing bass with the group. In March 1981, Biggs was kidnapped by a gang of British ex-soldiers. The boat they took him aboard suffered mechanical problems off Barbados , and the stranded kidnappers and Biggs were rescued by the Barbados coastguard and towed into port in Barbados. The kidnappers hoped to collect
1120-460: The Center for Public Leadership at John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University Ronald Herd , American professional wrestler Ronald K. Hoeflin , American philosopher Ronald Holassie , Trinidad and Tobago long-distance runner Ron Horsley , American author and illustrator Ronald "Ron" Howard , American filmmaker and actor L. Ron Hubbard (1911–1986), American author and
1176-520: The GTV Channel 9 Television City studios. In October 1969, a newspaper report by a Reuters correspondent revealed that Biggs was living in Melbourne and claimed that police were closing in on him. The story led the evening news bulletin at Channel 9 and Biggs fled his home, staying with family friends in the outer eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Five months later, he fled on a passenger liner from
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#17327733137131232-661: The United Kingdom and spent several years in prison, where his health rapidly declined. He was released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2009 and died in a nursing home in December 2013. Biggs was born in Stockwell , London, on 8 August 1929. As a child during the Second World War , he was evacuated to Flitwick , Bedfordshire , and then Delabole , Cornwall . In 1947, at age 18, Biggs enlisted in
1288-569: The United Kingdom. In 1971, Biggs's eldest son, Nicholas, aged 10, died in a car crash in Melbourne. In 1974, Daily Express reporter Colin MacKenzie received information suggesting that Biggs was in Rio de Janeiro; a team consisting of MacKenzie, photographer Bill Lovelace and reporter Michael O'Flaherty confirmed this and broke the story. Scotland Yard detective Jack Slipper arrived soon afterwards, but Biggs could not be extradited because his girlfriend, nightclub dancer Raimunda de Castro,
1344-732: The adopted son of George Burns and Gracie Allen Ronnie Burns (singer) , Australian singer Ronnie Burns (footballer) , former Australian rules footballer with the Geelong and Adelaide Football Clubs Ron Butlin (ice hockey) (1925–2014), Canadian ice hockey executive Ronald Castree , British child murderer Ronald Cerritos , Salvadoran footballer Ronald Cheng , Hong Kong pop star and movie actor Ron Chernow , American writer, journalist, historian and biographer Ronalds Cinks , Latvian ice hockey player Ronald D. Coleman , American politician Ronald Colman , English actor Ronnie Corbett , British comedian, known for his role as
1400-471: The album Bajo Otra Bandera by Argentinian punk band Pilsen . In 1993, Slipper travelled once more to Rio on a private mission to try to persuade Biggs to come home voluntarily, which failed. In 1994 the German journalist Ulli Kulke managed to bring both Biggs and Slipper together in a telephone interview. In this interview the two antagonists talk about their encounters in 1974 and 1993. The Interview
1456-673: The decision to refuse him parole. However, the Home Office stated only that "an application for the early release on compassionate grounds of a prisoner at HMP Norwich" had been received by the public protection casework section in the National Offender Management Service . Biggs was released from custody on 6 August 2009, two days before his 80th birthday, on "compassionate grounds". Following his release from prison, Biggs's health improved, leading to suggestions that he might soon be moved from hospital to
1512-510: The extent of my punishment. I have accepted it, and only want freedom to die with my family and not in jail. I hope Mr. Straw decides to allow me to do that. I have been in jail for a long time, and I want to die a free man. I am sorry for what happened. It has not been an easy ride over the years. Even in Brazil, I was a prisoner of my own making. There is no honour to being known as a Great Train Robber. My life has been wasted." In January 2009
1568-657: The founder of the Church of Scientology Ronald Jeremy Hyatt (born 1953), American pornographic actor, filmmaker, actor, and stand-up comedian Ronald Isley , R&B singer Ron Johnson (born 1955), senior United States senator for Wisconsin Ronald Jones (running back) (born 1997), American football player Ron Jones (athlete) , British track and field athlete Ronald Joseph (disambiguation) , several people Ronald Kapaz , Brazilian graphic designer Ron Keel (born 1961), heavy metal vocalist and guitarist for
1624-515: The life of Biggs's wife Charmian, played by Sheridan Smith and Biggs by Daniel Mays . Charmian Biggs acted as a consultant on the series and travelled to Britain from Australia to visit Biggs in February 2012, just before filming for Mrs Biggs . In March 2013, Biggs attended the funeral of fellow train robber, Bruce Reynolds. In July 2013, The Great Train Robbery 50th Anniversary: 1963–2013
1680-577: The name [ edit ] Ronald Miller, a character in the American teen romantic comedy 1987 film Can't Buy Me Love Ronald McDonald , mascot of McDonald's Ronald the Cat, Nature Cat 's next-door neighbor and arch-enemy Ron Stoppable , Kim Possible's sidekick from the Disney animated series Kim Possible Ron Swanson , the mustachioed libertarian director of the eponymous department in
1736-535: The name is common throughout the English-speaking world . A short form of Ronald is Ron . Pet forms of Ronald include Roni and Ronnie . Ronalda and Rhonda are feminine forms of Ronald . Rhona , a modern name apparently only dating back to the late nineteenth century, may have originated as a feminine form of Ronald . The names Renaud / Renault and Reynold / Reinhold are cognates from French and German respectively. The name Ronaldo
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1792-425: The news story. Biggs arrived on 7 May 2001, whereupon he was immediately arrested and re-imprisoned. His son Michael said in a press release that, contrary to some press reports, Biggs did not return to the UK simply to receive health care which was not available in Brazil, and he had friends who would have contributed to such expenses, but that it was his desire to "walk into a Margate pub as an Englishman and buy
1848-724: The other half of The Two Ronnies Ronald de Boer , Dutch football (soccer) player Ronald DeFeo Jr , American mass murder and family annihilator Ronald dela Rosa (born 1962), Filipino politician and retired police general Ronald de Mel (1925–2024), Sri Lanka Minister of Finance from 1977 to 1988 Ron Dennis , British businessman Ron DeSantis , American politician Ronnie James Dio , American singer for Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio, and Heaven and Hell Ronald Fielding Dodd (c.1890–1958), Scottish architect Ronald Dominique (born 1964), prolific American serial killer and rapist Ronald dos Santos Lopes (born 1998), Brazilian footballer Ronnie Drew , Irish singer and
1904-620: The rented house that the family had lived in at the time of Biggs's flight to Brazil. Charmian later undertook a degree and became an editor, publisher and journalist. Her sons—who later visited Biggs a few times in Brazil—live anonymously. In 2012, Charmian was a consultant on the five-part ITV Studios docu-drama Mrs Biggs , which recounts the couple's time from first meeting to Biggs's flight to Brazil. In 1970, when Biggs arrived in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil did not have an extradition treaty with
1960-631: The robbery, which, in fact, was minor. Biggs was even visited by former footballer Stanley Matthews , whom Biggs afterwards invited to his apartment after hearing that he was in Rio. "We had tea on the small balcony at the rear of his home, and one of the first things he asked was, 'How are Charlton Athletic doing?' It turned out he had supported Charlton from being a small boy and had often seen me play at The Valley ." Around this time, "Ronnie Biggs" mugs, coffee cups and T-shirts also appeared throughout Rio. Biggs recorded vocals on two songs for The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle , Julien Temple 's film about
2016-598: The same given name . If an internal link led you here, you may wish to change that link to point directly to the intended article. Retrieved from " https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ronald&oldid=1257934731 " Categories : Given names Dutch masculine given names English-language masculine given names English masculine given names Masculine given names German masculine given names Scottish masculine given names Swedish masculine given names Hidden categories: Articles with short description Short description
2072-2466: The sitcom Parks and Recreation . Ron Weasley , a main character in Harry Potter , best friend of the title character Ronald "Ronnie" Raymond, half of the DC Comics superhero Firestorm . Ronald "Red" Daniels, main protagonist of Call of Duty: WWII . Ronald Knox , a reaper in the manga Black Butler by Yana Toboso See also [ edit ] Ronaldo Ronaldson Ron Ronnie Ronny Citations [ edit ] ^ Jones (1986) p. 427. ^ Hanks; Hardcastle; Hodges (2006) p. 234; Hanks; Hodges (2003) § Ronald. ^ See Searle's Onomasticon Anglo-Saxonicum , page 397. ^ Hanks; Hardcastle; Hodges 2006 p. 407; Hanks; Hodges (2003) § Raghnall. ^ Hanks; Hardcastle; Hodges (2006) pp. 234, 407; Hanks; Hodges (2003) §§ Raghnall, Ragnvald. ^ Hanks; Hardcastle; Hodges (2006) p. 234. ^ Hanks; Hodges (2003) § Ronald. ^ Hanks; Hardcastle; Hodges (2006) pp. 230, 408; Hanks; Hodges (2003) § Rhona. References [ edit ] Hanks, P ; Hodges, F (2003). A Dictionary of First Names (MOBI). Oxford: Oxford University Press . ISBN 0198606052 . Hanks, P ; Hardcastle, K; Hodges, F (2006) [1990]. A Dictionary of First Names . Oxford Paperback Reference (2nd ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press . ISBN 978-0-19-861060-1 . Jones, D ; Gimson, AC (1986) [1917]. Everyman's English Pronouncing Dictionary (14th ed.). J.M. Dent & Sons . OL 4296804M . Searle, D (1897) [1897]. Onomasticon Anglo-Saxonicum . Cambridge University Press . v t e Names derived from or cognates of Rǫgnvaldr Given names Rainaldo Rainald Ragnar Ragnall Ranald Reinhold Reginald Renald Renaldo Renaud Reynald Reynaldo Reynold Rognvald Ronald Ronaldo Reinaldo Raynaldo Ragnvald Regenweald Rögnvald Rægnald [REDACTED] Surnames McReynolds Reynolds Ronaldson Diminutives Reggie Ronaldinho [REDACTED] Name list This page or section lists people that share
2128-2380: The standard author abbreviation "R.H.Petersen" Ronald Pofalla (born 1959), German politician and manager Ronald Powell (born 1991), American football player Ronald van Raak (born 1969), Dutch politician Ronald Reagan (1911–2004), former actor, Governor of California and 40th President of the United States Ronald Reid-Daly (1928–2010), Rhodesian military commander Ronald Ringsrud , US author and emerald expert Ron Rivest , American cryptographer Ronald Santanna Rodrigues (born 1997), Brazilian footballer Ronald Russell (disambiguation) , Multiple people Ron Saunders (1932–2019), English football player and manager Ronald Scobie (1893–1969), British Army officer Ronald "Bon" Scott , lead singer of AC/DC from 1974 to 1980 Ronald Schill , German judge and politician Ronald L. Schlicher , American diplomat Ronald Alan Schulz (1965–2005), American civilian contract worker killed in Iraq Ronnie Schneider , American Rock and roll manager Ronald Searle (1920–2011), British cartoonist Ronald "Ron" Sexmith (born 1964), Canadian singer-songwriter Ronald Gene Simmons (1940-1990), American spree killer and family annihilator Ronald Steele , American basketball player Ronald Stretton , British track cyclist John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892–1973), British writer Ronald "Ronnie" Turner (1960-2022), American actor, singer, and youngest son of Tina Turner Ron Underwood , American film director Ronnie Vannucci, Jr. , American musician and member of The Killers Ronnie Van Zant (1948–1977), American musician Ronald Venetiaan , former president of Suriname Ronald Virag (born 1938), French cardiovascular surgeon Ron Washington (born 1952), American baseball player and manager Ronald "Ronnie" Washington (born 1963), American football player Ronnie Wood , British rock musician ( The Rolling Stones ), and artist Ronald Wright (boxer) American professional boxer Ronalds Žagars , Latvian former football goalkeeper Ronald Zilberberg (born 1996), Israeli Olympic figure skater Ronald Zoodsma (born 1966), Dutch volleyball player Fictional people with
2184-473: The time Biggs and his family arrived in 1966, they had spent all but £7,000 (equivalent to £164,700 in 2023) of his £147,000 share of the train robbery proceeds: £40,000 (equivalent to £941,200 in 2023) on plastic surgery in Paris ; £55,000 (equivalent to £1,294,100 in 2023) paid as a package deal to get him out of the UK to Australia; and the rest on legal fees and expenses. In 1967, just after their third child
2240-500: The train, and when it became obvious that the two were useless in that regard, they were banished to a waiting vehicle while the train was looted. When the men had unloaded 120 of the 128 mailbags from the train within Reynolds' allotted timetable, and returned to their hideout at Leatherslade Farm, various sources show that the robbery yielded the participants £2.6 million (equivalent to about £68.8 million in 2023); Biggs's share
2296-516: Was Biggs's 34th birthday. Agate was unable to operate the main line diesel-electric locomotive because he had only driven shunting locomotives on the Southern Region . Therefore, the driver of the intercepted train, Jack Mills, was coshed with an iron bar and forced to move the engine and mail carriages forward to a nearby bridge over a roadway, which had been chosen as the unloading point. Biggs's main task had been to get Agate to move
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2352-597: Was again admitted to hospital in London after complaining of chest pain. He underwent tests at Barnet Hospital . His son Michael stated, "he's conscious but he's in a lot of pain". In August 2010, it was claimed by the Sunday Mirror that Biggs would be attending a gala dinner where he would be collecting a lifetime achievement award for his services to crime. On 10 February 2011, Biggs was admitted to Barnet Hospital with another suspected stroke. His son Michael said he
2408-596: Was arrested in South London, along with 11 other members of the gang. In 1964, nine of the 15-strong gang, including Biggs, were jailed for the crime. Most received sentences of 30 years. Biggs served 15 months before escaping from Wandsworth Prison on 8 July 1965, scaling the wall with a rope ladder and dropping onto a waiting removal van. He fled to Brussels by boat before sending a note to his wife to join him in Paris where he had acquired new identity papers and
2464-469: Was born, Biggs received an anonymous letter from Britain telling him that Interpol suspected that he was in Australia and that he should move. In May 1967, the family moved to Melbourne , where he rented a house in the suburb of Blackburn North while his wife Charmian and their three sons lived in Doncaster East . Biggs had a number of jobs in Melbourne before undertaking set construction work at
2520-483: Was co-written by Biggs. In the film, Biggs was played by Paul Freeman . Biggs's son by de Castro, Michael Biggs , was seven years old when he became a member of the highly successful Brazilian children's programme and music band Balão Mágico (1982–1986), bringing relative financial security to his father. In 1991, Biggs sang vocals for the songs "Police on My Back" and " Carnival in Rio " by German punk band Die Toten Hosen . In 1993, Biggs sang on three tracks for
2576-449: Was conscious and preparing to have a CT scan and a series of other tests to determine what had happened. On 17 November 2011, Biggs launched his new and updated autobiography, Ronnie Biggs: Odd Man Out – The Last Straw , at Shoreditch House, London. He was unable to speak and used a word board to communicate with the press. On 12 January 2012, ITV Studios announced it had commissioned a five-part drama, Mrs Biggs , to be based around
2632-601: Was first published (in German) in 1994 in the German weekly Wochenpost and reprinted in the daily newspaper Die Welt in 2013 on the occasion of Biggs' death. In 1997 the UK and Brazil ratified an extradition treaty. Two months later, the UK government made a formal request to the Brazilian government for Biggs's extradition. Biggs had stated that he would no longer oppose extradition. English lawyer Nigel Sangster QC travelled to Brazil to advise Biggs. The extradition request
2688-429: Was headed by security consultant Patrick King. In the documentary, King claimed that the kidnapping may have been a deniable operation . The ITN reporter Desmond Hamill paid to accompany Biggs on the private Learjet returning him to Brazil and secured an exclusive interview, as well as convincing Biggs to kiss the tarmac upon landing. The kidnapping attempt was the subject of the film Prisoner of Rio (1988), which
2744-474: Was not terminal . Home Office compassion policy is to release prisoners with three months left to live. Biggs was claimed by his son Michael to need a tube for feeding and to have "difficulty" speaking. On 4 July 2007, Biggs was moved from Belmarsh Prison to Norwich Prison on compassionate grounds. In December, Biggs issued a further appeal, from Norwich Prison, asking to be released to die with his family: "I am an old man, and often wonder if I truly deserve
2800-512: Was pregnant. Brazilian law at the time did not allow a parent of a Brazilian child to be extradited. During 1974, in Rio, Biggs, an avid jazz fan, collaborated with Bruce Henri (an American double bass player), Jaime Shields, and Aureo de Souza to record Mailbag Blues , a musical narrative of his life that he intended to use as a movie soundtrack. This album was left undiscovered until it was finally released in 2004 by whatmusic.com. In April 1977, Biggs attended an informal drinks party on board
2856-587: Was published, with input from Biggs and Reynolds. On 18 December 2013, aged 84, Biggs died at the Carlton Court Care Home in Barnet , North London, where he was being cared for. His death coincidentally occurred hours before the first broadcast of a two-part BBC television series, The Great Train Robbery , in which Biggs was portrayed by actor Jack Gordon . Biggs's body was cremated at Golders Green Crematorium on 3 January 2014. The coffin
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#17327733137132912-458: Was readmitted to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital with pneumonia. He had been admitted to the same hospital a month earlier, with a chest infection and a fractured hip, but returned to prison on 17 July. His son Michael said, in one of his frequent news releases: "It's the worst he's ever been. The doctors have just told me to rush there." On 30 July, it was claimed by representatives of Biggs that he had been given "permission" to challenge
2968-637: Was rejected by the Brazilian Supreme Court, giving Biggs the right to live in Brazil for the rest of his life. In 2001 Biggs announced to The Sun newspaper that he would be willing to return to the UK. Having 28 years of his sentence left to serve, Biggs was aware that he would be detained upon arrival in Britain. His trip back to Britain on a private jet was paid for by The Sun newspaper, which reportedly paid Michael Biggs £20,000 plus other expenses in return for exclusive rights to
3024-409: Was stable. News of his condition prompted fresh calls from his son Michael for his release on compassionate grounds. On 23 April 2009, the Parole Board recommended that Biggs be released on 4 July, having served a third of his 30-year sentence. However, on 1 July, Straw did not accept the Parole Board's recommendation and refused parole, stating that Biggs was 'wholly unrepentant'. On 28 July, Biggs
3080-631: Was undergoing plastic surgery . During his time in prison, Charmian had started an extramarital relationship and was pregnant by the time of his escape to the Continent. Choosing to support her husband, she had an illegal abortion in London and then travelled with their two sons to Paris to join Biggs. In 1966, Biggs fled to Sydney , where he lived for several months before moving to the seaside suburb of Glenelg in Adelaide , South Australia . By
3136-454: Was £147,000 (equivalent to £3,888,100 in 2023). With their timetable brought forward due to the police investigation closing in, Biggs returned home on the following Friday, with his stash in two canvas bags. After an accomplice failed to carry out his instructions to burn down Leatherslade Farm to destroy any evidence there, Biggs's fingerprints were found on a tomato sauce bottle by Metropolitan Police investigators. Three weeks later, he
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