Biggs, Ronald (1929- )

English criminal, member of the gang responsible for the robbery of the London-Glasgow mail train in the UK on 8 August 1963. He was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment but escaped from Wandsworth prison, London, in July 1965 and fled, first to Australia, and later to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Unable to be extradited under Brazilian law, he lived there until May 2001, when he returned voluntarily to the UK, and was arrested on his arrival.

In what was known as the ‘Great Train Robbery’, the gang stole more than £2.5 million in used banknotes. Most of the gang were caught and imprisoned for long terms, but Biggs's escape and flight earned him iconic status.

Biggs's return was paid for by the UK tabloid newspaper The Sun. Because of his declining health, it was alleged his return was linked to the availability of medical treatment in the UK.