I'M DEVASTATED

FREED prisoner Robert Brown has been devastated by the death of his mother.

Margaret Brown, 75, lost a battle with cancer on Friday - just a year after Robert was released after spending 25 years inside for a murder he did not commit.

A family friend said: "Robert is extremely upset. He feels he hasn't had enough time with his mother. Last week was the first anniversary of his release so for Margaret to die then was very poignant.

"Robert spent a full year with his mum but it wasn't long enough as far as he's concerned."

Robert, of Blairdardie, Glasgow, was sentenced to life aged 19 for the 1977 murder of Manchester housewife Annie Walsh.

He was freed last November when an Appeal Court heard police had forced a confession out of him.

He later said: "My mother visited me every week at prisons in England for 25 years paid for out of her own pocket.

"She also sent me pounds 20-a-week from her State pension. The stress and pain of my wrongful imprisonment has ruined her health and triggered breast cancer, stomach cancer and now she has a tumour in her liver.

"This wee woman couldn't even read or write at first, but she still managed to fight for me. She taught herself to read and write.

"The strength and depth of a mother's love for her child is beyond understanding or comprehension. When I was released she was much, much happier and I am so glad we are together again."

Margaret had been in Glasgow's Gartnavel Hospital for around a fortnight. But last week she asked to go home - and died in her Drumchapel council flat with Robert by her side.

Robert's supporters say he should receive pounds 250,000 compensation. Since his release he has existed on hand-outs.

He was given an interim payment of pounds 100,000 last year but says this has gone on legal fees and travel costs in his fight for justice.

Glasgow Anniesland MP John Roberston is among those pressing the Home Office to pay him more. He is also demanded an independent inquiry in to the case.

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