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 1952, Bronson was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery and wounding. He later changed his name to Charles Bronson during a brief spell of freedom in the 1980s, and now uses the name Charles Salvador. Despite his notoriety, he has produced artworks that have raised about £100,000 for charity.
Bronson's criminal record includes numerous violent incidents in prison, such as hostage-taking and attacks on staff. In 1999, he took a prison education worker hostage for 44 hours, leading to a discretionary life sentence with a minimum of four years. He also received an additional two-year term in 2014 for holding a prison governor in a headlock.
At the parole hearing, Bronson admitted he had been a 'very nasty man' and said he 'loves a rumble.' An independent psychologist diagnosed him with PTSD, partly due to 'brutal and unacceptable treatment' in prison. His prison offender manager noted improvements in his emotional control and reduced outbursts.
Despite these positive observations, the Parole Board concluded that Bronson, who spends 23 hours a day in his cell, would not cope with release. He remains at Woodhill Prison in Milton Keynes under close supervision.
