Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson could be freed from prison today
Charles Bronson could potentially be granted freedom after more than 50 years in prison, following a parole exercise which is due to take place today (18 February).
The notorious prisoner - who has been locked up for decades over a number of violent offences, including armed robbery, attacks on prison guards and taking other prisoners hostages - made the unusual decision to fire his lawyer a month before the hearing.
Bronson, who was named Michael Gordon Peterson at birth, completely refused to take part in the process after becoming angry over his request for a public hearing being rejected.
The 73-year-old sent a foul-mouthed letter to Sky News, in which he revealed he had 'sacked the legal team', adding that he wanted nothing to do with the 'farcical jam roll', meaning the parole, while asking: "What are they afraid of? The truth getting out?"
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It now appears a new solicitor has been appointed to represent Bronson, and has managed to secure a postponement of the review, with the Parole Board now expected to assess his application today.
What exactly will the Parole Board assess in Bronson's case?
Despite the board potentially reaching a decision today, there won't be a formal hearing taking place, with the exercise taking place as a paper review instead.
The Parole Board will read written statements from Bronson's legal team, as well as prison and probation staff and psychiatrists who have worked with him.
From this, they will determine whether they believe he poses a risk to the public, and if he does, whether it can be managed with certain restrictions imposed on movements and activities.
This means a decision could potentially be reached today to free the notorious prisoner, who has been behind bars for more than half a century, spending much of this time in solitary confinement.
One psychiatrist who worked with Bronson, who now goes by Charles Salvador, 30 years ago, believes that while he has been institutionalised, he could potentially cope with being released with support from friends, and his artwork could be used as a means of earning money.
'He is being unjustifiably punished'
After seeing the letter written to Sky, Bob Johnson said: "He asks what are they afraid of, the truth? That's a very good question. And the truth is that he is being unjustifiably punished.
"What this is…he's 73 years, and in solitary confinement. I mean, it's unbelievable when you think what inner strength this man must have to survive."
At Bronson's previous parole hearing back in 2023, the board agreed his behaviour had improved and suggested that while he wasn't ready for an open prison, he should be tested in a less restrictive regime as they work towards a process for release
However, this doesn't appear to have happened, with the 73-year-old currently being segregated and locked up on his own for 23 hours a day in a high security prison.
Despite everything, Bronson appears to remain hopeful of his release and even cited a 'freedom party' taking place in 2028, telling the readers of his letter 'don't be late'.
Topics: UK News, Charles Bronson, Crime
Emma Rosemurgey