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)