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Charles Bronson 'should be moved to low security jail' parole showdown hears

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Charles Bronson 'should be moved to low security jail' parole showdown hears
Charles Bronson 'should be moved to low security jail' parole showdown hears

CHARLES Bronson should be moved to a low security jail, a prison psychologist has told his parole showdown.

Britain's most notorious prisoner, 70, is back in court today for the second day of his bid for freedom after 50 years behind bars.

Bronson is back in court for the second day of his parole hearing eiqehietiqtzprw
Bronson is back in court for the second day of his parole hearing
A psychologist has said he should be moved to an open prison
A psychologist has said he should be moved to an open prisonCredit: PA

An independent psychologist told the panel, at the Royal Courts Of Justice, he would be less of a risk free than banged up.

She said: "He would be less of a risk in a community environment than a prison environment.

“I stand by that assessment."

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She suggested the “perfect environment would be open conditions”.

She added: “It would have to be stepped and gradual.

“The ideal world would be in a CSE centre where he can have greater contact with other inmates.

“He is most at risk on a normal prison wing.”

She said “serious considerations” should be given to move him to a lower security lock up.

If the request is approved, this will be the first time Bronson is somewhere other than a high security or category B facility.

During his long life behind bars Bronson has been banged up in some of the country most notorious facilities, including prisons like Parkhurst, Wakefield and Wormwood Scrubs as well as psychiatric hospitals like Broadmoor and Rampton.

The psychologist added Bronson is using breathing exercises and artwork to help with his violent behaviour.

Wearing a dark t-shirt and dark sunglasses, Bronson rocked back and forth on his chair as the hearing began.

He later said: “This is like being on The Apprentice with Lord Sugar.”

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Bronson then handed the panel some art work he had completed in prison.

He added: “Anytime I do a piece of art, it’s a piece of me.”

FREEDOM BID

During Monday's proceedings Bronson openly discussed his crimes and time behind bars - before trying to convince them he is a changed man.

They include holding 11 people hostage across nine sieges with victims being governors, doctors and even his own solicitor.

Bronson admitted he had no remorse about taking a governor hostage, had won £1,500 placing football bets behind bars and loved fighting in jail house brawls.

Bronson said: "I was born to have a rumble, I love to have a rumble.

"But I'm 70 now. It can become embarrassing. You have to grow up sooner or later."

He also described one fight, when he greased himself up with Lurpak spread while naked in a 2018, as the "rumble of my life, adding: "I f*****g loved it."

But despite saying he was sick of his violent ways - the notorious lag could not resist boasting of his most shocking crimes.

Reflecting on his attacks on numerous prison governors and other workers, he told the hearing he "couldn't stop taking hostages".

He said: "I was a horrible person and I couldn't stop taking hostages.

"I went through a phase, I couldn't help taking hostages.

"I was battling against the system... it was my way of getting back.

"There's nothing better than wrapping a governor up like a Christmas turkey."

BANGED UP

The hearing was told the prisoner was first sent to jail in 1974 at the age of 21 - and it's been his lifestyle ever since.

He spent time in solitary confinement and specialist units for his violent outbursts towards other inmates.

In 1974 he was jailed for seven years after being convicted of armed robbery - which was extended by nine months after he attacked a fellow prisoner with a glass jug.

He later attempted to strangle Gordon Robinson while at Broadmoor, before causing £250,000 worth of damage when he staged a three-day protest on a rooftop.

He was released in 1987 but soon returned a year later for intent to commit robbery.

After holding three men hostage in his cell, the Luton lad saw another seven years added to his sentence - although this was cut to five on appeal.

Following further incidents, he was finally given a life sentence after kidnapping prison teacher Phil Danielson in 1999, causing destruction to the prison.

On Monday, he said he was ready to go home because he's eaten "more porridge than Goldilocks and her Three Bears", adding: "I'm sick of it."

And despite his years of violence, Bronson pleaded to be released as he said he just wants to "get on with his life".

Known for being one of the UK's longest serving prisoners, the hearing will access whether he presents a danger to others.

If the risks are deemed low, there is a possibility he could be released on a life licence.

But he has been turned down repeatedly since 2002 after being deemed a threat to the public.

His case was heard publicly Monday and today.

Friday's hearing will take place behind closed doors.

Bronson on the roof of Broadmoor when he staged a three-day protest
Bronson on the roof of Broadmoor when he staged a three-day protestCredit: Getty

Isaac Crowson

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