Charles Bronson Pledges to 'Expose Unlawful Sentence' Ahead of Crucial Parole Hearing
In a dramatic development, Charles Bronson, widely known as Britain's 'most notorious prisoner', has vowed to challenge what he calls an 'unlawful sentence' as his latest bid for freedom progresses to an oral parole hearing. The Parole Board confirmed this week that Bronson's case will move forward for a more in-depth examination in the coming months, marking a hopeful step for the 73-year-old inmate who has spent over five decades in custody.
Decades Behind Bars: A Timeline of Incarceration
Bronson was first imprisoned in 1974 for armed robbery, but his sentence was extended to life due to repeated incidents of violence and hostage-taking within the prison system. Despite this, he has now gone 12 years without a violent conviction, making this his ninth attempt to secure parole. In a letter to Sky News, Bronson expressed his 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.'
Parole Board Advances Case to Oral Hearing
The decision to move the case to an oral hearing comes after an initial review 'on the papers', where written evidence from prison officials, psychologists, and probation staff was assessed. The board concluded that a fuller, in-person hearing is necessary to test evidence directly and question witnesses. This hearing will allow the panel to evaluate Bronson's current risk level thoroughly before determining if he can be safely released into the community. Gurdeep Singh, Bronson's solicitor, emphasized the importance of this step, saying, 'My hopes for the hearing are that Mr Salvador can finally have some progression. He has been languishing in solitary confinement for years now without any future plans for him.'
Bronson's Previous Appeals and Future Prospects
Bronson is expected to attend the hearing in person, where he will have the opportunity to address the panel directly and outline his plans if released. This follows a public oral hearing in 2023, during which 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.' Although his request for this year's proceedings to be public was rejected, he may renew that appeal as the case moves forward. No date has been set for the hearing yet, but it represents a critical juncture in Bronson's long-standing legal battle.
Supporters argue that with proper support, Bronson could focus on his charity work with the Born Art Foundation, highlighting his potential for rehabilitation. As the parole board prepares for this significant review, the outcome could have broader implications for discussions on sentencing and prisoner rights in the UK.
