Charles Bronson, one of the UK's longest-serving prisoners, has lost his bid for release after a public parole hearing earlier this month. The Parole Board ruled that the 70-year-old, who has spent most of his life behind bars, is not suitable for freedom.
Born Michael Peterson in Luton, Bedfordshire, in December 1952, Bronson was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery and wounding. He changed his name to Charles Bronson during a brief spell of freedom in the 1980s, later adopting the surname Salvador, which he claims means 'man of peace' in Spanish.
Over the decades, Bronson has become notorious for attacks on prison staff and inmates, including holding 11 hostages in nine sieges. His violent history includes a three-day rooftop protest in 1985, taking a prison librarian hostage in 1994 demanding an inflatable doll and a helicopter, and a 44-hour hostage situation at HMP Hull in 1999.
Despite his violent past, Bronson has also pursued artistic and literary endeavours while incarcerated. He has created numerous artworks, with sales raising over £100,000 for charity, and has published several books, including one about his prison fitness regime. A 2009 film starring Tom Hardy dramatised his life.
At the recent hearing, Bronson admitted he had been 'very naughty' but argued he is now a 'retired prison activist'. An independent psychologist suggested he suffers from PTSD due to 'brutal and unacceptable treatment' in prison. However, the Parole Board concluded he would not cope with release, noting he spends 23 hours a day in his cell.
