Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson could be released in months

Charles Bronson could reportedly be released from prison later this year.

Known as the UK's most notorious prisoner, Bronson has been behind bars since 1974, after being charged for armed robbery aged just 22.

However, his initial seven-year sentence continued to increase after a number of attacks on other prisoners and guards.

Bronson was then released in 1987, but the boxer was then thrown back in jail after being found guilty of a second armed robbery.

After this, the now 72-year-old was given a discretionary life sentence with a minimum term of four years after holding a prison teacher hostage for almost 48 hours in 1999.

After all of this, it looks like Bronson is looking to mount another attempt at getting freedom, after several failed attempts in previous years.

The Brit, who has been married twice and has a son, is having his case reviewed by Parole Board chiefs for the ninth time, The Mirror reports.

Charles Bronson is looking to be released from prison this year (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

A friend of Bronson's spoke to The Daily Star, saying: "He fears dying in prison. This could be his one and only chance of freedom. It has been several years now since he has been violent.

"He is not the person he was. We hope this will be the year he is released."

The prisoner, who has an odd list of things he'd like to do if he was released, has also changed his name to Charles Salvador, though he was initially born as Michael Peterson in Luton.

Bronson has a record of attacking people within the prison, as one trial heard that he took 11 hostages in nine different sieges, with a parole hearing in 2023 denying his request to transfer to an open prison.

Despite the panel stating that there was 'evidence of improved self-control and better emotional management', they also detailed that they 'could not be satisfied' by his ability to manage risks of future violence.

The 72-year-old has been behind bars for the majority of the last 50 or so years (Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The Mirror further reports that he is currently held at HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes.

The Parole Board released a statement detailing that his next hearing could last a day or more, as they review evidence given by prison officers, psychiatrists and victims.

"Decisions are focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable... It is standard for the prisoner and witnesses to be questioned at length," they said.

Former Metropolitan Police detective Peter Bleksley shared: "I think there will be a huge fear within the Parole Board that Charles Bronson can be released. He has an appalling criminal history while behind bars."