Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson has become the first person to formally ask for a public Parole Board hearing.
Parole reviews were previously held behind closed doors, although the rules changed this week to allow victims and reporters to request access to hearings. Prisoners, Government ministers and officials can also ask for the case to be held in public.
It is hoped the move will help shed light on the reasons behind Parole Board decisions. Bronson, who has since changed his name to Salvador, previously said he hopes to be out by Christmas, reports the Mirror.
The Parole Board confirmed on Thursday a request for Bronson’s case to be heard in public has been received and will now be considered.
It is understood the application was made on his behalf.
The 69-year-old was first jailed for armed robbery in 1974 but convictions for violence and blackmail have kept him locked up.
Earlier this year he said he feared his parole hearing might not take place until December.
Speaking from HMP Woodhill, Bronson previously said he wouldn't “kick off” because it would only lead to more prison time.
He added: “Every time my jam roll (parole) comes up for the last 30 odd years they start playing games and this is the biggest, cruellest, nastiest game they have ever played - ever.
“I was expecting my jam roll (parole) to be in July or August. It’s now two and a half years late.
“They have now said it's been put back again to December 12 so by the time I go up, if I go up, as it's possible they could put it back again, that will have been three years of my life I may not have had to serve.
"We've put in complaints, we have challenged it. Once the parole board says it's December 12, that's when it is. There's not a lot you can do about it.
“It could be because I'm going to have a public hearing, which I've fought for and I'm going to get.
“The reason I want a public hearing is I want the public to see what vindictive b****ds these people really are.
“They have just squeezed another six months of my life. I could go up next week.
"All the paperwork is there. It's all ready. And they have not even given a reason....there's no reason for it.
“I'm going to be 70 in December. So a 70-year-old man is going up for his jam roll when I should have had it when I was 67.
“It's an absolute disgrace. It’s a liberty. They are sucking away my life for no reason. The only reason is retribution...revenge. They don't want me to get out.
“They want me to kick off. They want Charlie f***ing Salvador to kick off, so they can wring their hands and say: 'Now see why we didn't let him out'. Well it's ain't going to happen.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
