Britain's most violent prisoner, Charles Bronson, has spent half a century behind bars. The Parole Board is reportedly reviewing Bronson's case, which could lead to his freedom, but the prisoner fired his lawyer after his public hearing appeal was rejected.
Bronson, who now goes byCharles Salvador, was incarcerated in the 1970s, initially for armed robbery. Decades later, Bronson has remained in prison, with reports of violence inside the correctional facility stalling any chance of him being released.
According toSky News, the now 73-year-old prisoner received a life sentence in 1999 when he held a prison art teacher hostage. In 2014, Bronson assaulted a prison governor, resulting in his last conviction.
A parole review was set to take place this week, following Bronson's sacking of his lawyer. He reportedly refused to engage with the review process in protest after being denied a public hearing he had requested. This is currently Bronson's ninth appeal to the Parole Board.
The parole board is reviewing the case of Charles Bronson. After more than 50 years behind bars, they could decide whether he’s eligible for release.Sky'[email protected]/RGOLKwyNTA
In Bronson's letter to Sky News, he stated that he wanted no participation in 'the farcical jam roll,' which meant parole, and asked, 'What are they afraid of? The truth getting out?' The Parole Board panel is due to assess Bronson's application today, 18 February.
The assessment, which involves the panel reviewing written statements from prison staff, probation staff, Bronson's legal team, and his psychiatrists, will determine if releasing him will not pose a risk to the public. It will also determine if the restrictions will be manageable enough as to not interfere with his activities.
The Parole Board panel's decision can go three ways: make Bronson a free man, propose moving him to an open prison, or hold off his case altogether for an oral hearing.
Of the 52 years Bronson has spent locked up, he spent most of his time in solitary confinement. Bob Johnson, the psychiatrist who had attended to Bronson three decades ago, said he believes Bronson is furious, but rightly so, as he has endured so much from his time in prison.
Johnson said, 'The Parole Board doesn't need to hear from him to make its decision. He's very provocative. I don't think he means it when he says he doesn't want anything to do with his review. Very clearly, he enjoys the battle. He likes sticking up for himself.'
Source: International Business Times UK
