A parole board tasked with deciding whether Charles Bronson should be released from prison will have to consider six points before reaching a verdict.
Britain's most notorious prisoner is currently fighting for his freedom at a public parole hearing from the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where he intends to give evidence to prove he has moved on from his violent past.
The 70-year-old was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery, but he received further sentences for a series of crimes including violent attacks on prison staff and taking people hostage.
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He received life in prison in 1999 after holding an art teacher hostage, but he's insisted now he's 'anti-crime' and 'anti-violent'.
Speaking in a documentary about his release, Bronson said: “I’ve got a horrible, nasty, vicious, violent past [but] I’ve never killed anyone, I’ve never harmed a woman, never harmed a child.
“I’m focused, I’m settled, I can actually smell and taste freedom like I’ve never, ever done in [my] life."
Bronson is currently being held at HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, but after almost 50 years behind bars the parole judges will need to take into account a number of factors when it comes to determining whether he is fit for release.
One of the things they will need to consider is Bronson's behaviour in prison; a place that formed the setting for many of his violent crimes.
They will also need to think about what Bronson plans to do upon being released. After taking up art in prison, Bronson has insisted he will be able to use the passion to support himself, while his ex-wife, Irene Dunroe, has said the prisoner wants to get two dogs and 'live out his last few years' doing his artwork.
Bronson's claims that he is now 'anti-crime' and 'anti-violent' play into the third consideration the parole board have to make: whether he is likely to commit more crime or is a danger to the public.
Judges will also consider why Bronson is in prison and his previous offences, as well as what the judge said when he was sentenced.
Finally, the board will take into account any victim statements, which may be read at the hearing, and any medical, psychiatric and psychological evidence.
Supporters of Bronson have argued it is unfair to keep the 70-year-old in prison when people who have been convicted of more serious offences have been granted parole, though critics believe it is a 'risk' to set him free.
Kicking off today (6 March), the parole board hearing is expected to last for three days.
Topics: Charles Bronson, Crime, UK News
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Emily Brown