Charles Bronson, often known as the UK’s longest-serving prisoner, has made a remarkable move by participating in a pub karaoke night from his prison cell.
The 72-year-old, who has spent decades behind bars, joined in via a video link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes to serenade the customers at The Hilderthorpe pub in Bridlington.
A Moment of Connection for Pub Goers
On Saturday night, Bronson performed Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” a song he dedicated to his old friend, the notorious London gangster Ronnie Kray.
The atmosphere in the pub was electrified, with a captivated silence as he sang, before the crowd erupted into applause.
As the performance ended, Bronson’s voice echoed through the phone line, offering a warm message to the audience, saying, “All the best to everybody, I love you all.”
How the Unique Event Came Together
This historic moment wouldn’t have happened without the efforts of Julie Shaw, the ghostwriter of Bronson’s autobiography Charles Bronson – Inside and Out.
Julie, who also runs the pub’s karaoke nights, coordinated this unprecedented event, which she shared excitedly on Facebook.
She wrote, “For the first time ever, Britain’s longest-serving prisoner, Charles Bronson, is going to sing live from his maximum security prison, over the phone, to entertain the customers.”
She encouraged everyone to join in and show their support for this unique moment in history.
A Life Behind Bars
Bronson, born Michael Peterson, was first incarcerated at the age of 22 for armed robbery in 1974.
His behavior in prison quickly earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s most violent inmates.
Though originally sentenced to seven years for the robbery, his time behind bars was marked by frequent violent outbursts and prison riots.
After a series of violent incidents, including taking hostages and causing extensive damage in protests, Bronson received a life sentence in 1999 for kidnapping a prison art teacher.
The Parole Process and Controversy
In 2014, Bronson faced his most recent conviction for assault.
Despite the violence and notorious reputation, he has now been subject to multiple parole hearings, with his latest application scheduled for later this year.
While his parole has been denied several times, recent statements from supporters, including Adrian Wallace, the former deputy governor of Hull Prison who was once taken hostage by Bronson, suggest a possible shift in attitudes.
Wallace, who previously opposed Bronson’s release, now supports it, citing a belief that Bronson no longer poses a massive risk to the public.
The Road Ahead for Bronson
While Bronson has made progress in prison, including improved emotional management and a desire to work toward his release, many remain skeptical.
The Parole Board has yet to grant him release, emphasizing the need for public safety and his past lack of remorse for his actions.
Still, with the support of some unlikely allies, it seems that Bronson’s final parole review this year could mark a turning point in his long and controversial incarceration.