Charles Bronson (prisoner)

Charles Bronson (prisoner), born Michael Gordon Peterson and now known as Charles Salvador, is a British prisoner who has been referred to in the press as "Britain's most violent prisoner."

Born in 1952, Bronson has spent the vast majority of his adult life incarcerated, much of it in solitary confinement, due to his violent behavior towards other inmates and prison staff. He was initially imprisoned in 1974 for armed robbery, a crime for which he received a seven-year sentence. However, his sentence has been repeatedly extended due to numerous incidents of violence, hostage-taking, and damage to prison property.

Bronson's notoriety stems from his frequent and often extreme acts of violence while incarcerated. These acts include assaulting guards, taking hostages (including prison staff and fellow inmates), and causing extensive damage to prison facilities. He has reportedly attacked over 20 prison officers and taken eleven hostages in his time in prison.

Despite his violent reputation, Bronson has also garnered a degree of public attention and even some notoriety due to his artistic pursuits. He is a prolific artist and writer, producing numerous drawings, paintings, and books from within prison. He has used his art as a form of self-expression and as a means of raising money for charity. His artistic style often reflects his violent past and his experiences within the prison system.

In recent years, Bronson has campaigned for release, arguing that he is a changed man and no longer poses a threat to the public. He has also sought to distance himself from his violent past, expressing remorse for his actions. However, his continued history of violence and unpredictable behavior has made his release highly controversial. He has repeatedly been denied parole and remains incarcerated.

Bronson's case raises complex questions about the nature of punishment, rehabilitation, and the management of violent offenders within the prison system. His story has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and a biopic film, solidifying his place in British popular culture as a symbol of extreme violence and the failures of the penal system.

In 2014, he changed his name to Charles Salvador as a tribute to the artist Salvador Dali, stating that the name Bronson was no longer fitting. His legal name change reflects his attempt to rebrand himself and distance himself from his violent past.