Charles Bronson is no longer Britain’s most dangerous prisoner | UK | News
Britain’s most notorious prisoner, Charles Bronson, has spent the better part of the last fifty years behind bars for a string of violent crimes and took 11 people hostage; but his former lawyer believes he should eventually be released.
Marcus Johnstone, who worked closely with Bronson (real name Michael Gordon Peterson) for nearly a year at HMP Woodhill, told The Sun that the notorious delay was no longer a risk to the public. “There are worse people on the streets than him,” he claimed.
Bronson’s violent past and failed parole attempts
Bronson, now 72 and going by the name Charles Salvador, was first imprisoned for armed robbery in 1974. Despite his brief releases in 1987 and 1992, he continued to commit crimes both at home and abroad, including robberies and attacks on fellow prisoners; this resulted in him returning to prison or having his sentence extended.
The infamous prisoner, portrayed by Tom Hardy in a 2008 biopic, has rejected numerous Parole Board appeals over the years. His acts of violence include attacking a laggard with a glass jug, putting a prison governor in a headlock and causing £250,000 worth of damage during a rooftop protest at Broadmoor.
11 hostages were taken in 9 sieges
During his incarceration, Bronson took 11 different people hostage during nine sieges. The last incident saw him kidnapping prison teacher Phil Danielson during a 44-hour standoff in 1999.
Mr Johnstone, who has never met Bronson in person but has communicated with him extensively through letters, told The Sun: “I don’t think he is the most dangerous prisoner by any means but he is probably the most understanding. He is currently admitted to hospital.”
Bronson’s artistic talents and his treatment in prison
The former lawyer revealed that Bronson showered her with copious amounts of letters, doodles and artwork during their correspondence. “He was an extraordinary artist, probably still is. He’s an interesting character… he had a colorful life,” Mr Johnstone said.
Many of Bronson’s drawings reflected the treatment Mr. Johnstone received in prison, which he believed was quite harsh compared to other prisoners. “He was in solitary confinement most of the time and was subject to very strict controls. The drawings largely depicted him as a caged prisoner,” he explained.
‘I don’t think there is any danger anymore’
Mr Johnstone, who has many of Bronson’s letters and drawings hanging in his office, believes the notorious convict is no longer a threat to society. “It’s sad that the system can’t do anything for him. Why do we have to keep him locked up? I don’t think he’s a danger anymore. There are worse people on the streets than him,” he said.
The barrister, who has worked in almost every prison in the UK, explained that many “lifers” have to be re-taught how to do daily activities when they approach release. “They need to learn to cross the road, they need to learn to buy stamps, some of them haven’t dealt with modern currency,” he said.
Struggle to cope in society
Mr Johnstone highlighted the challenges long-term prisoners face when reintegrating into society. “Then ‘How do you expect these people to deal with society?’ you think. They cannot do this and after a while they start committing crimes again. It’s really sad,” he lamented.
The possibility of the release of Charles Bronson, Britain’s most notorious prisoner, remains a controversial issue. Although his former lawyer believes he is no longer a danger, the decision is ultimately in the hands of the Parole Board; The Parole Board weighs his violent past against his current situation and the risk he poses to society.
