Charles Bronson has been denied release from prison

Charles Bronson has had his request for parole denied.

After nearly 50 years behind bars, Charles Bronson launched his bid for freedom at a public parole hearing earlier this month.

But the board ruled following a two-day hearing that he lacks the 'skills to manage his risk of future violence'.

The parole board also decided that Bronson would not be moved to an open prison either.

The prisoner, who is now 70 years old, became the first inmate in UK legal history to formally request a public parole hearing.

The parole board was tasked with deciding whether Bronson should continue his life behind bars, or be released following his claims that he has reformed.

Bronson was first jailed in 1974, but he stayed there for the majority of the next five decades during which time he became known as one of Britain's most violent offenders.

He has spent a lot of time in solitary confinement or specialist units, and has held numerous people hostage.

In 1999, after holding an art teacher hostage for two days, he was handed a life sentence.

Bronson opened up about his past last week in the Channel 4 documentary Bronson: Fit to Be Free?, where he admitted he has a 'horrible, nasty, vicious, violent past'.

However, he continued: "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. I’m now anti-crime, anti-violent.

“What the f*** am I still in prison for?”

World History Archive / Alamy Stock Photo

Bronson made another case for his freedom as he sent a postcard to Sky News from his prison cell last week, writing: "They should have compassion for my mother. It's her life-long dream to see me free and happy."

He is currently being held in a close supervision centre (CSC) at Woodhill Prison near Milton Keynes.

The prisoner previously had a number of parole bids turned down due to his violent behaviour, but his solicitor, Dean Kingham, has claimed Bronson is purposefully being prevented from progressing towards a less restricted regime.

"It is clear to me that Mr Salvador is a political prisoner, given the lack of political will to progress someone as high profile as him," Kingham said. "By keeping him in CSC conditions the (justice secretary) is trying to influence the Parole Board."

Bronson got into art while behind bars, and claims he would be able to work and support himself out of prison through his drawings.