Key Highlights
- Dennis Wise, a former England and Chelsea legend, calls for the release of Charles Bronson.
- Bronson, known as ‘Britain’s most notorious prisoner,’ has a long criminal record and is serving multiple life sentences.
- The video plea by Wise highlights potential rehabilitation avenues for Bronson upon release.
- Bronson’s next parole hearing is scheduled in January 2026.
Charles Bronson: The Case for Release
Former England and Chelsea footballer Dennis Wise has thrown his support behind the controversial figure Charles Bronson, urging authorities to consider releasing him from prison. Known as “Britain’s most notorious prisoner,” Bronson is currently serving multiple life sentences for a range of violent offenses.
A Legend Speaks Out
Dennis Wise, who played 21 times for England and won three FA Cups with Chelsea, recorded a video message supporting Bronson. In the video, which was shared on Instagram by the account freecharlesbronson, he addressed Bronson directly, saying: “Hi Charlie, it’s Dennis Wise here. I know you’ve done nearly 50 years and maybe it’s time you get out now and go on the straight and narrow.
There’s people out there nowadays that have done a lot worse than what you have done fella.”
Wise emphasized his belief that it might be time for society to help Bronson rehabilitate, adding: “So maybe it’s time now that everyone tries to help you and they make a decision and try and get you out in the real world. I’m sure there’s people out there that want to help you.” The former footballer also mentioned that he believes rehabilitation is possible for Bronson, suggesting fitness as a potential avenue: “I know your passion is fitness. So that’s maybe a direction you can go in, in the fitness gym, and help others.
So I’m vouching for you fella. I hope that they see sense and give you the opportunity of enjoying life.”
History and Controversy
Bronson, born Michael Peterson before changing his name to Charles Bronson after the famous Hollywood actor, has a long criminal record. He was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery and has been behind bars ever since. Despite multiple attempts at parole, including an infamous incident where he took a prison teacher hostage for 44 hours in 2000, the Parole Board has repeatedly refused to release him.
His next parole hearing is scheduled for January 2026, but Bronson has a history of refusing such hearings when they are not held publicly.
The last public parole review in 2023 was his eighth attempt. His ex-wife Irene Dunroe expressed frustration with the process: “Of course it should be held in public, definitely. The truth is getting out and they know there is no reason why he should be locked up.”
Support from Fans and Family
Bronson’s campaign for release has garnered support from his family and former teammates. Wise’s video adds to the growing voice of those advocating for a change in Bronson’s status. The former Chelsea player has played a significant role in maintaining public interest, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
The article concludes by noting that while the Parole Board continues to deny release, there is hope that with changing attitudes and support from influential figures like Wise, Charles Bronson may finally see his day of freedom.
Whether this support will be enough remains to be seen, but it marks a significant moment in the long-standing case for the controversial prisoner’s release.
Charles Salvador, better known as Charles Bronson, is currently housed at high-security HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire. His journey through the justice system and his supporters’ efforts continue to captivate public interest, serving as a complex case study in criminal rehabilitation.
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