Charles Bronson, one of the UK’s longest-serving prisoners, is set for his ninth parole hearing under private conditions, following a ruling by judicial Parole Board member Jeremy Roberts KC. This decision stems from Bronson's recent request to hold a public hearing, which he argued was warranted due to changes in the law and his significant history.
Bronson, 72, born Michael Peterson, has spent nearly five decades behind bars since his initial incarceration for armed robbery in 1974. Over the years, he has developed a notorious reputation for his violent behaviour, which includes the taking of hostages during multiple prison sieges and assaults on prison staff. Most notably, Bronson was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2000 after a prolonged hostage situation involving a prison teacher at HMP Hull. Since then, he has been denied parole on eight separate occasions.
The recent ruling, announced in a document published on Tuesday, confirmed that Bronson’s latest application for public scrutiny was declined. Roberts noted that while there is a public interest in understanding the parole process, the potential risks associated with a public hearing were significant. Notably, the Secretary of State expressed concerns about the possibility of Bronson exhibiting violent behaviour during a public session.
Bronson's legal representation argued that his contributions were pivotal in advocating for the change in regulations that allowed for public hearings, which implemented a degree of transparency previously absent in the parole process. Despite acknowledging this context, Roberts indicated that it did not establish a "legitimate expectation" for Bronson to have a public hearing in this instance.
The decision highlighted that public hearings involve considerable expense and resource allocation. Roberts contended that the benefits of transparency in this legal context must be balanced against the requirements for public order and safety. The panel noted improvements in Bronson's behaviour and attitudes towards prison staff but remained cautious regarding the potential for further notoriety stemming from a public hearing, suggesting that it could shift focus away from the core issues surrounding his release.
Bronson's prior public parole hearing in 2023 was only the second of its kind in English legal history and demonstrated some indicators of improved self-control. However, the board ultimately maintained that concerns about his capacity to manage potential future violence were unresolved.
The implications of the ruling and Bronson’s potential release will continue to be closely monitored, reflecting ongoing discussions about the parole system in the UK and the complexities associated with high-profile prisoners.
Source: Noah Wire Services