Jailed Liverpool Michael Shields is being released with a royal pardon his solicitor has confirmed.
The long-awaited decision by Justice Secretary Jack Straw sweeps aside the 2005 conviction of the Liverpool fan for attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria.
Michael, 22, has been eligible for a pardon since last December when the High Court ruled that it would be legal under UK law.
Since then the student's release has been hampered by legal red tape.
First a top QC reviewed the case for Jack Straw and that was followed by the Justice Secretary ordering a Merseyside Police investigation of the evidence in the case.
Michael's conviction for attempted murder of a barman in Bulgaria in 2005 was identified as a potential miscarriage of justice in the High Court Judicial Review.
Then on 2nd July Mr Straw said he was minded not to grant a pardon and asked for further evidence before making a final decision.
Michael's solicitor John Weate said: "I have spoken to Michael and he has been told that Jack Straw has granted a royal pardon.
"He was informed of the decision by the governor this morning. He was ecstatic and I'm delighted that an innocent man is finally being freed."
John Wheat added: "After tireless campaigning and overwhelming public support, Michael Shields has been granted this royal pardon.
"Michael is absolutely delighted, ecstatic, and his family are over the moon.
"I've spoken to him this morning, and the governor at Thorn Cross prison gave him the wonderful news.
"Shortly afterwards, his family received a phone call from Justice Secretary, Jack Straw, who confirmed Michael would be home this evening.
"His family are elated. It's been such a long time coming but finally justice has been done, and an innocent man can be allowed to get on with the rest of his life and put this horrendous ordeal behind him.
"Michael wants to thank everyone for their support during this incredibly difficult time and at long last everyone known he is an innocent man.
"The Justice Department carefully co-ordinated imparting the information.
"At 9.30 am Michael was taken before the prison governor and was informed that he was granted a pardon and would be released forthwith.
"The Justice Ministry phoned me and Jack Straw phoned his parents.
"Michael finds it hard to believe that after 4-and-a-hal years the day has finally come that everyone will realise that he is innocent.
"There was not a shred of evidence against this boy. He was arrested for a crime that he simply did not do. I'm very emotional about it. A serious injustice has taken place.
"Everyone who meets Michael and his family see that he is innocent and understand why people become passionate about his case.
"The family are very dignified and they have held themselves together wonderfully. They will be in a whirlwind, but no doubt they will cope with it."
Michael has been in custody since he was arrested in the Black Sea resort of Varna on 30th May 2005 and has been serving a ten year sentence at Thorn Cross Prison near Warrington, Cheshire.
Added Mr Weate: "It has been a long hard battle.
"Unlike a case in our court system where we would have to show reasonable doubt for a jury, we have had to go through proving one hundred per cent that Michael is absolutely innocent.
"At this point in time he has made the right decision. The easy decision would have been to stand behind the provisional decision made earlier not to release.
"I'm delighted that he has finally had the courage to make the right decision.
"Everyone involved with this long battle to prove Michael's innocence is delighted."
Michael has been in custody for 1563 days - since he was arrested in the Black Sea resort of Varna30th May 2005 and has been serving a ten year sentence at Thorn Cross Prison near Warrington.
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stephanie, hull around 1 year, 5 months ago