Charles Bronson, born Michael Gordon Peterson, is considered Britain's most notorious prisoner. Born on December 6, 1952, in Wales, he grew up in a relatively normal family but began to exhibit violent tendencies at a young age. He was first arrested at 13, and after multiple run-ins with the law, he was sentenced to 7 years in prison for armed robbery.
While in prison, Bronson became infamous for his violent outbursts, multiple rooftop protests, and attacks on prisoners and guards. He spent a significant amount of time in solitary confinement and was transferred between various prisons and psychiatric facilities.
Despite his violent behavior, Bronson showed a softer side through his writing, sketching, and creating cartoon strips. He even won awards for his work. In 2008, a film about his life was released, and he gained a significant following worldwide.
Bronson has been married multiple times and has converted to Islam. He has also changed his name several times, including to Charles Arthur Charlie Salvador, in respect for his favorite artist. His artwork has been auctioned off, with proceeds going to charity.
Bronson has spent over 44 years in prison, with 36 of those years in solitary confinement. As of 2018, he is in an open prison, but his case is set to be reviewed in two years, and he may be eligible for release. However, he also has a life sentence for kidnapping a teacher in 1999.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. Charles Bronson was born Michael Gordon Peterson on December 6, 1952.
2. He spent his early years in Wales and later moved to Luton, near London.
3. His father ran a Conservative club, and his aunt and uncle were mayors.
4. Bronson was described as a "lovely lad" and "gentle and mild-mannered" as a child.
5. He started getting into trouble at the age of 13, when he was charged with theft as a juvenile.
6. Bronson left school early and had various jobs, including working at Tesco and as a circus strongman.
7. He was arrested for armed robbery at the age of 22 and received a 7-year prison sentence.
8. Bronson was transferred to various prisons and was known for his violent behavior, including attacking prisoners and guards.
9. He was diagnosed with mental health issues and was transferred to a psychiatric facility.
10. Bronson was involved in several rooftop protests and was known for his strength and fitness.
11. He was released from prison in 1987 but quickly returned to crime and was arrested again.
12. Bronson was sentenced to 8 years in prison for taking a librarian hostage and making demands to the police.
13. He was transferred to the "Hannibal cage" in prison, a special unit for violent prisoners.
14. Bronson converted to Islam and changed his name to Charles Arthur Charlie Salvador.
15. He wrote a book, "Solitary Fitness", which sold millions of copies.
16. Bronson's artwork was auctioned off, and he donated part of the proceeds to charity.
17. He was married to an actress in 2017 and was hoping to be released from prison soon.
18. Bronson served 36 years in solitary confinement out of his 44-year prison sentence.
19. He was moved to an open prison in 2018 but still faces a life sentence for kidnapping a teacher in 1999.