Ronnie Biggs formally released

Great Train robber Ronnie Biggs was officially released from his prison sentence today.

The 79-year-old, who was granted compassionate release by Justice Secretary Jack Straw yesterday, has been handed a copy of his licence conditions.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that prison staff have left Biggs's bedside at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where he is being treated for pneumonia.

Eyewitnesses saw prison guards leave the hospital shortly after 2pm.

Biggs, who turns 80 tomorrow, remained under bedwatch while the paperwork confirming his release was completed.

But he is unlikely to be moved for at least a week because he requires minor surgery.

His family have said he is "over the moon" at the decision to release him from his 30-year sentence.

Mr Straw said yesterday he was releasing Biggs on medical grounds because he was "not expected to recover".