Charles Bronson, one of the UK’s most violent offenders, has spent over 50 years behind bars for his criminal activities. At the age of 13, he joined a gang of robbers and was caught stealing, leading to his first stint in a juvenile detention center. In 1974, he was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to seven years in prison. During his time in prison, he continued to commit violent acts, attacking both fellow prisoners and guards, resulting in more time being added to his sentence.
After being released in 1987, Bronson embarked on a career as a bare-knuckle boxer in London, but soon found himself in trouble with the law again. Following an armed robbery in 1988, he was sentenced to another seven years in prison. This pattern of criminal behavior continued, with Bronson being arrested multiple times for various charges including conspiracy to rob and possession of a sawn-off shotgun. As a result, he has been behind bars ever since, accumulating additional years to his sentence due to incidents such as hostage-taking, causing damage in prison, and staging protests.
Over the years, Bronson has held 11 hostages in nine different sieges during his time in jail, targeting individuals ranging from governors to doctors to his own solicitor. These violent actions have led to numerous parole bids being turned down, with the Parole Board citing his involvement in further violent episodes as a reason for denial. Despite being on his best behavior for six years, a recent altercation with murderer Robert Donaldson at HMP Woodhill may negatively impact Bronson’s chances of being granted parole.
Bronson’s latest incident involved a punch-up with Robert Donaldson when Donaldson attempted to attack him on a wing of the prison. This altercation could potentially derail Bronson’s parole bid, as the Parole Board closely evaluates violent episodes when considering an inmate’s release. Bronson, now 71 years old and living in a Category A prison alongside dangerous offenders, faces an uncertain future as he awaits his next opportunity to make a case for his freedom early next year.
Despite his efforts to maintain good behavior in recent years, Bronson’s violent past and repeated offenses continue to affect his chances of being granted parole. The recent punch-up at HMP Woodhill serves as a reminder of his tumultuous history of criminal behavior and violence, further complicating his prospects of finally being released from prison after spending more than half a century behind bars. As he awaits his parole hearing, Bronson’s future remains uncertain, with his violent tendencies and history of aggression likely playing a significant role in determining his fate.
