Charles Bronson: Portslade man says he should be freed

Those are the words of Portslade man Kane Manning, whose father, Mark, was brutally killed in 2014.

Kane wrote to Bronson, born Michael Peterson, for advice after it was discovered he had been living with his father’s killer, Colin Gale, who initially acted as a stand-in father figure.

Bronson wrote back, saying “Kane, you’ve had a tough time, it’s a lot to take in. Your old man sounds a great chap – a man of serious respect.

“He would want you to crack on, so don’t let him down.”

Kane Manning (Image: The Argus)

Now, five years on, Bronson is having his case heard for parole – and Kane has written another letter.

“I wrote him a letter again last week to ask if he remembered me and to say I hope he gets out. I also thanked him for his support,” said Kane, now 25.

READ MORE: Prisoner Bronson tells parole hearing he is an ‘angel’ compared with past self

“I lost my father and wrote a letter to Charles in 2014. It was only a week before he responded – he’s quite a friendly person.”

Bronson has spent most of the last 48 years in prison - quickly back behind bars each time he has been released.

The letter from Bronson to Kane (Image: The Argus)

But many feel he should now be given parole – which could see him placed in an open prison or released entirely.

“They should give him a chance. He’s 70 now – my opinion is that he should be put in an open prison,” said Kane.

“They don’t give people a chance. They’ve got to look at when it was that he last committed a crime. He’s not killed anyone – he can’t stay there until he dies.”

Kane also revealed what he will do if Bronson is given parole.

Mark Manning (Image: The Argus)

“I would definitely like to meet him – I would say ‘finally, it’s nice to meet you, and thank you for everything’.”

Bronson’s parole hearing began on Monday (March 6) and recounted many of the instances which have made him one of Britain’s most controversial prisoners - with the prisoner appearing via video link from HMP Woodhill, Milton Keynes.

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of notorious inmate Charles Bronson, appearing via video link from HMP Woodhill (Image: PA Media)

The parole board heard he “loves a rumble” and how he “took half a tub of Lurpark” and “greased up” while naked in his cell for a scrap with prison guards.

A prison psychologist told the board they feel Bronson, who changed his last name to Salvador in 2014, would pose a high risk to society if released or moved to open prison.

Bronson’s parole hearing continues today (March 8).