Charles Bronson is often cited as Britain’s most notorious prisoner, having spent nearly 50 years behind bars. In this episode of True Criminals, Sky News crime correspondent Martin Brunt and journalist Helen Fospero take a deep dive into the life and legacy of Michael Peterson—the man who became an underworld icon and later transformed into the artist known as Charles Salvador.

Martin shares a unique perspective on the man behind the headlines, detailing a personal relationship built over years of correspondence. For the first time in the studio, Martin showcases original artwork sent to him by Bronson, offering a rare glimpse into the "cartoonish" yet often nightmarish creative world that has become the prisoner's primary outlet while in high-security isolation.

The discussion traces Bronson's long history within the UK penal system, from his initial seven-year sentence for armed robbery in 1974 to the repeated violent outbursts and hostage situations that kept him inside. Martin explains the complexities of the 2000 discretionary life sentence—triggered by the 44-hour hostage-taking of an art teacher at HMP Hull—which has seen Bronson remain in custody long past his original minimum term.

With the Parole Board having denied his 2023 public bid for freedom, the team examines what the future holds for his upcoming hearings. Martin reveals Charles’s own unwavering conviction that he will one day walk free, sharing a recent invitation from the prisoner to join him for a celebratory Guinness at a "freedom party" upon his release.

The Origins: How a petty criminal became the "most violent prisoner in Britain."
The Art: A look at the vivid, award-winning artwork Martin has brought into the studio.
The Letters: Insights into the personal letters and postcards Martin receives from HMP Woodhill.
The Legal Battle: An analysis of the parole process and why the board remains hesitant despite Bronson’s claims of being a "reformed character."
The Future: Martin’s expert prediction on whether Bronson will ever experience life outside a prison cell again.

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Martin Brunt: Follow Martin on Twitter at ⁠@skymartinbrunt⁠. Discover more about his career in his book, No One Got Cracked Over the Head for No Reason: Dispatches from a Crime Reporter, available here.
Helen Fospero: Follow Helen on Instagram at ⁠@helenfospero⁠ and check out her podcast, The Convex Conversation, here.

Credits True Criminals is produced by Audio Bleach Global. Visit ⁠www.audiobleachglobal.com/truecriminals⁠ for more information.

Executive Producer: Lee Mann | Producer: Russell Barnes | Audio Production: Andrew Chappell | Music: Chap Mannequin | Artwork: Bleached

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Charles Bronson: Parole Update | True Criminals Briefing