Charles Bronson seen from inside prison for first time in decades ahead of parole hearing

27 February 2023, 18:20 | Updated: 28 February 2023, 00:58

Notorious prisoner Charles Bronson (R) is seen speaking from prison for the first time decades in footage from a new documentary. Credit: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free?
Notorious prisoner Charles Bronson (R) is seen speaking from prison for the first time decades in footage from a new documentary. Credit: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free? Picture: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free?

By Chris Samuel

Notorious prisoner Charles Bronson is seen speaking from inside prison for the first time decades in footage shown in a new documentary.

In a clip from Channel 4 documentary Bronson: Fit to be Free, Bronson is shown speaking to his son George Bamby on a secure video call from prison.

The first episode of the two-parter will be broadcast from 9pm tonight, and features a series of candid chats with George - Bronson's long lost son whom he discovered though a DNA test.

Bronson was jailed in 1974 for armed robbery of a post office and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Due to his violent behaviour, the 70-year-old has remained behind bars almost continuously with much of his time spent in solitary confinement.

Read more: Rishi Sunak hails Brexit deal as he outlines 'Windsor Framework' before selling it to MPs

Read more: Andrew Marr: This Brexit deal is a big moment for the UK - and Rishi Sunak's premiership

Speaking in the documentary, Bronson admits to having a 'horrible, nasty, vicious, violent past' but says he has never killed anyone or harmed women or children.

"I'm focused, I'm settled, I can actually smell and taste freedom like I've never, ever done in me life," he said.

Charles Bronson seen for the first time in decades in Channel 4 documentary

"I'm now anti-crime, anti-violent. What the f**k am I still in prison for?"

When asked if he had changed his ways, Bronson, now known as Charles Salvador after his hero Salvador Dali, claimed that his art was the thing he was most proud of in his life.

Bronson appearing on a video call with his son George Bamby. Credit: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free?
Bronson appearing on a video call with his son George Bamby. Credit: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free? Picture: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free?

Bronson, who has been downgraded in prison from a "high" to "medium risk", claims that he's a changed man and, is "coming home" with the help of his legal team.

The documentary features a series of candid chats with Bronson's long-lost son George (pictured). Credit: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free?
The documentary features a series of candid chats with Bronson's long-lost son George (pictured). Credit: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free? Picture: Channel 4 / Bronson: Fit to be Free?

He said: "Cards on the table, do I sound like Britain’s most dangerous man?

"Come on. I’m 68 years old and all I wanna do is get out there and enjoy my f*****g life, what’s left of it.

Bronson will face a public parole hearing on next month after becoming the first prisoner in the UK to request one.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Election 2024 Trump Netanyahu

Netanyahu meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, offering optimism on Gaza ceasefire

APTOPIX Idaho Wildfires

Air tanker pilot killed as US wildfires spread

Donald Trump reacts after July 13 assassination attempt

Trump struck by bullet during assassination attempt, FBI says

France was rocked by a series of attacks against railway lines early on Friday

Celine Dion kicks off Paris Olympics in rain-drenched opening ceremony after France rocked by rail arson attacks

Highs of 27C are coming this weekend

Heatwave on the way as temperatures to hit 27C this weekend - will your area get some sunshine?

The Park Fire burns along a road in California

Man arrested over California fire sparked by burning car pushed into gully

Israel has hit out at Britain's decision

Israel hits out at Starmer for dropping Britain's challenge to international arrest warrant for Netanyahu

Justin Timberlake at a premiere

Timberlake ‘not intoxicated’ and drink-drive charge should be dismissed – lawyer

What is your least favourite chocolate bars?

Brits divided over UK’s ‘worst chocolate bar’ with one Christmas classic branded ‘disgusting’

The French weather has been wet ahead of the opening ceremony

'Disaster' as flood warning issued for Paris ahead of Olympic opening ceremony, after arsonists target French railways

A crying woman at the site of a mudslide in Ethiopia

Ethiopia declares three days of mourning as toll of mudslide victims increases

Hongchi Xiao has been found guilty of the manslaughter of Danielle Carr-Gomm

Alternative healer found guilty of manslaughter of pensioner in slapping therapy workshop

Kennie Carter

Four teens jailed over revenge murder of 16-year-old Kennie Carter in Manchester, as heartbroken mother pays tribute

Graziano Di Prima has been placed under medical supervision

Ex-Strictly pro Graziano Di Prima 'placed under medical supervision' after being axed over Zara McDermott abuse claims

Insolvent Ted Baker could be set to close all its stores in a matter of weeks

Ted Baker to ‘close all stores’ in a matter of weeks as hundreds face unemployment

Nasa may have found a sign of life on Mars

Nasa finds Mars rock that 'may have hosted life', with mysterious 'features we've never seen before'