Charles Bronson – years of chaos
Born Michael Peterson in Aberystwyth in 1932. Grew up in Liverpool and Luton.
Boxed bareknuckle in East End where he changed name to Charles Bronson.
Jailed for the first time in 1974, getting seven years for an armed Post Office robbery in which he stole £26.
Convicted in jail of wounding with intent, wounding, criminal damage, grievous bodily harm, blackmail, false imprisonment, and threatening to kill.
Twice freed in 34 years. In 1988 he got out for 68 days but was arrested for robbery. In 1992 spent 52 days outside before being arrested for conspiracy to rob.
Has spent 30 of the last 34 years in solitary confinement.
Currently jailed for life for hostage-taking at Hull Prison in 1999. He tied up teacher Phil Danielson at knife-point and held him for almost 48 hours, dragging him round the prison.
