Charles Bronson will face a two-day oral parole hearing on November 2 and 3 after the Parole Board allowed his latest bid for release. If the panel grants parole, he could be free by Christmas.
Bronson, also known as Charles Salvador, has spent more than five decades in custody. He was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery, and his sentence was extended to life after repeated violence, taking hostages and bad behaviour behind bars.
Parole Board and Wakefield
The Parole Board moved the case forward in February after it had been considered on the papers at the start of the year. The oral hearing will let the panel assess Bronson's current level of risk in greater depth.
Bronson is currently in the Category A lock up Wakefield, and the hearing could lead to a move from that setting if the panel decides to refer him after the hearing. The hearing is expected to be private.
Charles Salvador hearing bid
This is his ninth attempt to seek release. Gurdeep Singh said, "Mr Salvador is delighted with the fact he has been progressed to a full hearing but he is under no illusions; this is just the start of the fight for his release."
Singh also said, "He wants to show the world he is not the person he was, he hopes to convince the panel that he is a changed man intent on living a simple life in the outside world. He has high hopes he can see his 95-year-old mother this year."
Bronson told his 2023 hearing, "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." The hearing now puts that wish back before parole experts, with a release decision depending on whether they accept that his risk can be managed outside prison.
