Long-serving prisoner Charles Bronson described his public parole hearing as like "being on The Apprentice." The 70-year-old, who's been behind bars now for almost 50 years, made the outburst on the second day of proceedings.
Only the second-ever inmate in UK legal history to have his case heard in public, Bronson referenced Lord Alan Sugar's hit reality show after an independent psychologist commissioned by the jailbird's legal team said he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of decades spent inside. She added that, as a result, Bronson has 'anti-authority feelings' and is suspicious of other people’s motives.
However, she said she didn't believe he has a paranoid personality disorder. Giving evidence, she said that Bronson's violent actions were exacerbated by being in prison, with him feeling like he’s locked in a battle with the prison authorities.
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Central London's Royal Courts of Justice - which contained an audience composed of reporters and members of the public - also heard that Bronson underwent a violence reduction programme in 2012. Since that time his offending is said to have reduced dramatically.
The psychologist also claimed that Bronson would be "less of a risk in a community environment than a prison environment". Nevertheless, she added that he would need the right support to necessitate that move and that any transition should be "gradual".
She said she believes there should be a ongoing step down in Bronson's security categorisation - from his current maximum security status to that of open prison. The inmate - who changed his surname to Salvador in 2014 in tribute to the artist Salvador Dali - was also said to have "mellowed" over the years thanks to his burgeoning love for painting and drawing, along with his use of various breathing and mindfulness techniques.
The psychologist also said that Bronson now realises that the consequences of being violent are too great and would lead to him seeing out his days in jail. "I can imagine him telling somebody to eff off, but it's whether or not that equates to serious harm," she added.
In addition, she referred to Bronson as a "retired prison activist" - referencing his numerous rooftop protests at different nicks across the country. Appearing via video link from HMP Woodhill in Milton Keynes, Bronson remarked: "That's the best thing I've ever heard."
Then, as this morning's session ended, he was told he could hand over some of his artwork for the panel to look at during their lunch break. "This is like being on the Apprentice with Lord Sugar," he quipped.
Bronson, who's mum Eira is from Aberystwyth, had previously opened parole proceedings on Monday by telling the parole board that he'd had "more porridge than Goldilocks and the Three Bears". He added: "I've had enough of it, I want to go home."
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