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, was 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 later changed his name to Charles Bronson during a brief spell of freedom in the 1980s, and now uses Charles Salvador, a name he claims means 'man of peace' in Spanish.
Bronson has a long history of violent incidents in prison, including hostage-taking and attacks on staff. He has held 11 hostages in nine sieges, including governors, doctors, and his solicitor. In 1994, he demanded an inflatable doll, a helicopter, and a cup of tea as ransom during a hostage situation.
At the hearing, Bronson admitted he had been 'very naughty' but argued he deserved freedom after 50 years. He said: 'Of the 50 years I have been in prison I have probably deserved a good 35 of it.' An independent psychologist said Bronson showed signs of PTSD due to 'brutal and unacceptable treatment' in prison.
Despite some improvements in behaviour, the parole board concluded he would not cope with release. Bronson currently spends 23 hours a day in his cell at Woodhill Prison in Milton Keynes. He has raised around £100,000 from selling his artworks, with some proceeds donated to charity.
