Charles Bronson Vows to Expose 'Unlawful' Sentence Ahead of Parole Hearing
Charles Bronson, widely regarded as Britain's most notorious prisoner, has pledged to expose what he calls an 'unlawful sentence' as he prepares for an upcoming parole hearing. The inmate, who has spent more than five decades behind bars, told Sky News that his time in custody has 'gone on far too long,' signaling a renewed fight for freedom.
Parole Board Advances Case to Oral Hearing
The Parole Board has confirmed that Bronson's latest bid for release will progress to an oral hearing in the coming months. This decision represents a hopeful development for one of the UK's longest-serving prisoners, allowing for a more thorough examination of his eligibility for release. Bronson, now 73 years old, was first imprisoned in 1974 for armed robbery, but his sentence was extended to life due to repeated incidents of violence and hostage-taking.
Despite 12 years without a violent conviction, this marks his ninth attempt to seek parole. In a letter to Sky News, Bronson expressed frustration, stating, 'I am 23 years over my tariff. I am forever denied progress. I am forever kept in solitary. They won't even take me off Cat A.' He added, 'I have to expose this unlawful sentence and treatment. It's now gone on for far too long; it's become a total joke.'
Transition from Paper Review to In-Person Hearing
Previously, Bronson's case was under consideration 'on the papers,' where written evidence from prison officials, psychologists, and probation staff was assessed. However, the Parole Board has now concluded that the case should advance to an oral hearing. This stage will enable evidence to be tested in person and witnesses to be questioned directly, providing a deeper assessment of Bronson's current risk level before any decision on release is made.
The hearing could also explore alternatives, such as moving Bronson to an open prison or integrating him into a normal wing with other inmates to evaluate his behavior. Bronson has endured solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, on and off, for 37 years, highlighting the extreme conditions of his incarceration.
Legal Representation and Personal Hopes
Gurdeep Singh, a solicitor representing Bronson—also known as Charles Salvador—commented on the development, saying, 'Mr. Salvador is delighted with the fact he has been progressed to a full hearing, but he is under no illusions; this is just the start of the fight for his release.' Singh emphasized Bronson's desire to demonstrate personal transformation, adding, 'He wants to show the world he is not the person he was. He hopes to convince the panel that he is a changed man intent on living a simple life in the outside world. He has high hopes he can see his 95-year-old mother this year.'
Bronson is expected to attend the hearing in person, offering him the opportunity to address the panel directly and respond to concerns about his past behavior and future plans if released. In a 2023 public oral hearing, Bronson famously remarked, 'It's no secret I have had more porridge than Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and I'm sick of it. I've had enough of it. I want to go home.'
While his request for this year's proceedings to be public was reportedly rejected, Bronson may seek to renew that request as the case moves to the oral stage. No date has been set for the hearing yet, leaving the outcome uncertain as Bronson continues his long-standing battle for freedom.
