Menu
11/03/2009
Bronson 'Addresses' Audience At Movie Premier
One of Britain's most notorious prisoners, Charles Bronson, is to make a plea for freedom just hours after making a controversial message at the premier of a film detailing his life.
The family of the 56-year-old - once dubbed the UK's most dangerous prisoner - said a parole hearing is due to take place at the high security prison in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where he is being held.
Before a showing of the movie 'Bronson', his voice played to the audience, saying: "As long as my mother enjoys the film, I'm happy".
The convicted armed robber and hostage taker, also told the audience "see you at the Oscars".
Bronson added: "Never in a million years did I ever believe, or plan, or dream that a film would ever be made about my life.
"I'm not into the glamour and sensationalism. I'm just me. Me, Charles Bronson.
"I'm proud of this film, because if I drop dead tonight, then I live on."
Bronson, who was born Michael Peterson in Aberystwyth, Wales said: "I make no bones about it, I really was... a horrible, violent, nasty man.
"I'm not proud of it, but I'm not ashamed of it either, because every punch I've ever flung in my life I've taken 21 back. I deserve everything I got, everything.
"I don't cry about my life, never have, never will."
The Prison Officers' Association have criticised the recording, saying it undermines prison security.
Glyn Travis, from the Prison Officers Association, said: "We've got grave concerns that people have abused the privilege of speaking to and visiting Charles Bronson while in prison.
"As a result of that they have managed to secrete or record a telephone call or conversation which has now been played in a public forum.
"Clearly somebody has abused the rules."
Before the premier of the film - starring Tom Hardy as Bronson - audience members were given fake moustache's to wear, at the request of the 56-year-old inmate.
Bronson, who was originally sentenced to seven years for armed robbery, has now spent 34 years locked up, much of it in solitary confinement.
His sentence has been repeatedly extended for crimes committed within prison, which include wounding with intent, wounding, criminal damage, grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment, blackmail and threatening to kill.
(JM/BMcC)
The family of the 56-year-old - once dubbed the UK's most dangerous prisoner - said a parole hearing is due to take place at the high security prison in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where he is being held.
Before a showing of the movie 'Bronson', his voice played to the audience, saying: "As long as my mother enjoys the film, I'm happy".
The convicted armed robber and hostage taker, also told the audience "see you at the Oscars".
Bronson added: "Never in a million years did I ever believe, or plan, or dream that a film would ever be made about my life.
"I'm not into the glamour and sensationalism. I'm just me. Me, Charles Bronson.
"I'm proud of this film, because if I drop dead tonight, then I live on."
Bronson, who was born Michael Peterson in Aberystwyth, Wales said: "I make no bones about it, I really was... a horrible, violent, nasty man.
"I'm not proud of it, but I'm not ashamed of it either, because every punch I've ever flung in my life I've taken 21 back. I deserve everything I got, everything.
"I don't cry about my life, never have, never will."
The Prison Officers' Association have criticised the recording, saying it undermines prison security.
Glyn Travis, from the Prison Officers Association, said: "We've got grave concerns that people have abused the privilege of speaking to and visiting Charles Bronson while in prison.
"As a result of that they have managed to secrete or record a telephone call or conversation which has now been played in a public forum.
"Clearly somebody has abused the rules."
Before the premier of the film - starring Tom Hardy as Bronson - audience members were given fake moustache's to wear, at the request of the 56-year-old inmate.
Bronson, who was originally sentenced to seven years for armed robbery, has now spent 34 years locked up, much of it in solitary confinement.
His sentence has been repeatedly extended for crimes committed within prison, which include wounding with intent, wounding, criminal damage, grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment, blackmail and threatening to kill.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 September 2003
Action star Charles Bronson dies aged 81
Hollywood action star Charles Bronson has died aged 81 after a brief illness. Famous for his uncompromising tough guy portrayals, particularly in the controversial violent vigilante ‘Death Wish’ film series, and the ‘Magnificent Seven’, Bronson was the archetypal ‘heavy’ in many films.
Action star Charles Bronson dies aged 81
Hollywood action star Charles Bronson has died aged 81 after a brief illness. Famous for his uncompromising tough guy portrayals, particularly in the controversial violent vigilante ‘Death Wish’ film series, and the ‘Magnificent Seven’, Bronson was the archetypal ‘heavy’ in many films.
25 April 2006
Foreign prisoners escape deportation
More than 1,000 foreign prisoners have been released in the UK instead of being deported, Home Office figures have shown. The number includes three murderers and nine rapists, as well as five people convicted of committing sex offences on children, seven convicted for other sex offences, 57 for violent offences and two for manslaughter.
Foreign prisoners escape deportation
More than 1,000 foreign prisoners have been released in the UK instead of being deported, Home Office figures have shown. The number includes three murderers and nine rapists, as well as five people convicted of committing sex offences on children, seven convicted for other sex offences, 57 for violent offences and two for manslaughter.
12 January 2012
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
UK Film Urged To Go Mainstream
Comments made by Britain’s Prime Minister, that urged the UK film industry to become more "mainstream" ahead of a review on the UK’s film policy next Monday, have been met with criticism.
13 October 2003
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
Lottery-backed UK films net £125m in receipts
National Lottery investments in the UK film industry has generated box office takings of over £125 million, new figures released today have revealed. Overall, £13 million of Lottery funding invested by the UK Film Council has generated £125.
23 April 2004
Blueprint unveiled for film-friendly London
London’s new film and media agency, Film London, has unveiled a variety of measures aimed at making the Capital more film-friendly.
Blueprint unveiled for film-friendly London
London’s new film and media agency, Film London, has unveiled a variety of measures aimed at making the Capital more film-friendly.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
