Relatives of Michael Shields, sentenced to 15 year imprisonment, are starting a new support campaign. Shields was detained for the attempted murder of Bulgarian bartender Martin Georgiev in Sunny Beach resort. Shields' case gained a following after one of Shields' companions, Graham Sankey confessed to committing the crime. However, as he refused to appear before a Bulgarian court, Sankey's statement was not used in support of Shields during the trial.
Shields' relatives are complaining that prison conditions are not good enough. Restrictions were imposed after other prisoners complained about the favourable treatment toward Shields, Sega reported.
A day ago the Varna court of appeal confirmed the initial 15-year sentence. Shields will also have to pay 120 000 leva for the damage caused to Georgiev. Shields' lawyer Oleg Atanasov said he would appeal once again before the Supreme Court of Cassation. Before the end of November, Shields will request aid from the British prime minister. Bulgarian lawmakers have already stated that foreign political institutions cannot interfere in national court proceedings.