Bronson has spent nearly 50 years in prison after his original seven-year sentence was extended many times because of his violent attacks on prison personnel and fellow inmates. A former detective and a consultant psychiatrist have divergent opinions on whether he should be released at this time.
Britain’s most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson has launched a bid for release at a public parole hearing today.
After nearly half a century in prison, the majority of which was spent in solitary confinement. He argues that he is secure for release.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab opposes Bronson’s parole, contending that the 70-year-old poses a significant risk to the public.
It depicted a typical London street scene, which represented liberation to him.
He was confident he would be released and wrote, “They should have compassion for my mother.” To see me free and happy has been her lifelong ambition.”
Bronson was jailed for armed robbery in 1974 and, but for a couple of fleeting episodes of freedom, has been in jail ever since.
Because of his violent attacks on prison personnel and fellow inmates, his original seven-year sentence has been extended numerous times.
In 1999, he held an art teacher hostage for two days in Hull prison and, although he didn’t physically harm him, his victim was left so traumatized he never went back to work.
Bronson was given a life sentence with a minimum term of three years, but numerous parole requests have been denied due to his subsequent violent behavior.
His attorneys will contend that it has been eight years since his last conviction and four years since he was adjudicated for violence in prison.
Bronson is presently assessed as a medium risk to staff and fellow inmates but is still a Category A prisoner held in the close supervision center (CSC) at Woodhill Prison near Milton Keynes.
His attorney Dean Kingham stated that Bronson, who now goes by the name Charles Salvador, is being prevented on purpose from progressing towards a less restrictive regime.
“It is evident to me that Mr. Salvador is a political prisoner, given the lack of political will to advance such a prominent individual,” he said. The [justice secretary] is attempting to sway the Parole Board by keeping him in CSC conditions.
Bronson’s family and supporters believe it is unjust to keep him in prison when others convicted of more severe crimes have been granted parole.
His drawings, which sell for several thousand pounds, show he can work and support himself.
Last year, Bronson said: “It’s an unmitigated liberty. I’ve never killed anyone or violated anyone. Why am I incarcerated? People don’t understand it. They believe that I am a serial murderer.”
Former Metropolitan Police detective chief inspector Simon Harding stated, “Bronson has an incredibly violent streak. And it is extremely dangerous to release individuals like that.
“And what happens if he is released?” Because he will have a lifetime license, there will be extensive monitoring. He is a very dangerous man who may soon be released into society.”
The Parole Board hearing is anticipated to last for three days, with a decision announced two weeks later.
The board could recommend releasing Bronson, transferring him to an open prison, or keeping him penned up.
The justice secretary has the authority to veto a recommendation to free Bronson. But the courts would ultimately determine whether to do so.
The board will hear testimony from prison and probation personnel, an attorney for the secretary of justice, and Bronson himself.
Bronson appears via video link at the High Courts of Justice.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Bob Johnson, who first treated Bronson more than 30 years ago, said he should be emancipated.
“The Parole Board should say, ‘This man has been incarcerated for 50 years, he has 50 years of problems, violence, and unruly behavior, but we’ve determined that he’s now low enough risk,” he said.
“I believe he is, but the transition from 50 years inside to life outside will be very dramatic.”
Dr. Johnson was a controversial figure at Parkhurst Prison on the Isle of Wight. Where he treated scores of murderers and other violent men, including Bronson.
Instead of prescribing drugs to control prisoners’ behavior, he encouraged them to understand and confront the causes of their actions, which were frequently anchored in childhood trauma.
When the Home Office terminated Bronson’s contract, he wrote him a letter lamenting his abrupt departure.
He wrote, “It’s a sad day to see you go, but I venerate your principles. It is uncommon to see a physician challenge this system.
“Dr. believed in ‘drug control,’ while you believe in humanity and trust.
The fact that you reduced the level of violence indicates that your approach was successful.
