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Bronson sings for his mother as he awaits ninth parole decision
Charles Bronson, 73, is awaiting the conclusion of his ninth parole hearing, which could lead to his release after decades in prison. A video shows him singing “What a Wonderful World” for his mother, Eira Peterson, 96, who has been too unwell to visit him for several years.
The video was recorded at HMP Long Lartin in April last year, before Bronson moved to HMP Wakefield. First jailed for armed robbery in 1974, he has spent most of the past five decades in prison and received a life sentence in 2000 for taking a prison teacher hostage. A Parole Board panel rejected his release in 2023, finding his risk could not be safely managed outside a high-security prison; the Prison Service also said using a mobile phone in custody could bring punishment.
In short
- Charles Bronson’s ninth parole hearing is due to conclude.
- A prison video shows him singing for his mother.
- A 2023 panel said his risk could not be managed outside high security.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Bronson has spent decades in prison, and the parole process should assess his current risk and prospects rather than treat past offences as conclusive. If evidence shows he can be safely managed in the community, release could recognise rehabilitation while allowing him to spend time with his elderly, unwell mother.
The case against
The seriousness of Bronson’s history, including taking a prison teacher hostage, makes public safety a central concern. A parole panel previously judged that his risk could not be safely managed outside a high-security prison, so release would be justified only if the latest assessment shows that risk has materially changed.
Explained simply
Charles Bronson, also known as Charles Salvador, has spent most of his adult life in prison. He was first jailed for armed robbery in 1974 and received a life sentence in 2000 after taking a prison teacher hostage.
The Parole Board reviews whether people serving life sentences can be released safely, sometimes with conditions and supervision. Bronson’s previous release bid was rejected in 2023 because the panel judged that his risk could not then be managed safely outside a high-security prison. His case matters because the board’s decision will determine whether he remains in prison or may be released under supervision.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Long-serving inmate Charles Bronson is filmed crooning song for his mother as he makes ninth bid for parole after decades behind bars”.