He is aware of the immediate consequences of his return and will remain in custody

Biggs' solicitor Jane Wearing

He will not face any further charges for absconding.

His solicitor said he would be seeking a hearing over the remainder of his sentence at the Court of Appeal.

Biggs, 71, who has suffered three strokes, looked frail and could only respond to questions in grunts in court.

At one point, a member of the legal team had to wipe Biggs' mouth with a handkerchief.

A police convoy met Biggs' plane

His solicitor, Jane Wearing, said: "Mr Biggs is not in good health, the authorities responsible for his health are aware of this and he will receive proper medical attention as soon as possible."

She said he thanked the UK authorities for the swift treatment of his passport application to allow him to return home "in order to resolve his future".

Biggs had contacted Scotland Yard by e-mail to say he wanted a passport and offered to give himself up.

Airport welcome

Foreign Secretary Robin Cook intervened to check there would be no delays in issuing the emergency passport, which allowed Biggs to travel under his own name.

Biggs left Rio de Janeiro, his home for most of his time on the run, amid chaotic scenes as reporters sought to get a glimpse of one of the world's most famous fugitives.

He has enjoyed the high life in Brazil

More than 50 police officers were waiting for the ailing convict as he arrived in the private jet at RAF Northolt in Middlesex at 0845 BST on Monday.

He was held under a warrant for being unlawfully at large by Detective Chief Superintendent John Coles, head of the Serious and Organised Crime Group, and was examined by doctors.

Biggs arrived at Belmarsh Prison at Thameside, near Woolwich, at 1415BST.

Belmarsh is a maximum-security prison with 800 inmates, including the gang accused of the attempted diamond raid on the Millennium Dome.

Biggs's return timeline (all times BST)

Sunday 2115: Biggs leaves Brazil in a private jet Monday 0840: Police vans and ambulances approach runway at RAF Northolt 0847: Biggs' jet touches down 0905: Biggs arrested for being "unlawfully at large" 1230: Appears before Bow Street magistrates 1436: Arrives at Belmarsh Prison

Due to Biggs' health, he is likely to be held in the medical unit, a three-storey building within the prison grounds.

Disgraced former Tory minister Jonathan Aitken spent two weeks at the prison before being moved to an open jail.

He said Belmarsh's "spartan" regime had more good points than bad and being locked up for 22 hours a day gave him the opportunity to read, write and meditate.

Biggs still has 28 years of his sentence to serve for his part in the 1963 robbery, which saw �2.6m stolen from a London-to-Glasgow mail train.

But there will be pressure for the ailing criminal to be treated leniently, despite demands from shadow home secretary Ann Widdecombe and others for him to be returned to prison.

There is also controversy over The Sun's involvement in Biggs' return.

The Press Complaints Commission said would conduct an investigation into affair, which raised a number of issues regarding payment of convicted criminals.

According to the newspaper code of practice, payments to convicted criminals are only allowed where there is a public interest.