Carragher unhappy with delay of Michael Shields' release

by Tom Burgess. Published Wed 09 Sep 2009 15:37

Jamie Carragher (left) pictured with Marie and Michael Shields snr

Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has expressed his delight at the release of Michael Shields but believes that he could have been pardoned sooner.

The 22-year-old left Thorn Cross Young Offenders’ Institute in Warrington this morning a free man after Justice Secretary Jack Straw granted him a royal pardon and said that he was completely innocent of the attempted murder of a Bulgarian barman in 2005.

But veteran defender Carragher, who has been a strong campaigner for Shields' release, thinks that the Government could have acted sooner in freeing Michael than they did.

"I got a call this morning about half 9, 10 o'clock before we went out to train so it was great to hear the news but I think it took a little bit too long than it should've done really," said Carra.

"Thankfully it's come to an end for Michael and his family especially and, hopefully, he can get on with his life and come support the Reds again like he used to. Hopefully it all goes well for him but I think it's four-and-a-half years too late."

When asked about the ruling, he added: "I think we're all thankful now that it's come, that it's actually happened, but as soon as I heard it I thought there must be a general election coming.

"I still think taht his family and friends are just glad that he's out but i still think it should've been done a long time ago."