Charles Bronson lookalike not allowed to visit notorious prisoner
A PLYMOUTH man believes he is being blocked from visiting notorious prisoner Charles Bronson in jail because authorities fear the two look so alike they will swap places.
Steve Swatton, 55, owner of Flex Gym in Plymouth has been campaigning for the release of Bronson, dubbed the most violent prisoner in Britain, and wants to visit him at HMP Wakefield, Yorkshire.
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Steve Swatton, left, and Charles Bronson
But the prison has reportedly refused a visiting order citing security reasons.
Mr Swatton acts as a double for Bronson in public demonstrations as part of the Free Bronson campaign.
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Mr Swatton told the Yorkshire Post: "I have filled in form after form, taken the matter up with the governor of Wakefield Prison, my local MP and even written to the European Court of Human Rights, but nothing is working.
"The prison keep saying it is for security reasons but won’t state what they are.
"I can only think it is because I look so much like him and they are worried we could switch places when I go see him – it’s ridiculous."
Bronson was jailed for seven years in 1974 for robbery and saw years added to his sentence after fighting guards and prisoners.
He was moved 120 times, spent most of his sentence in solitary confinement and saw the original jail term doubled to 14 years.
His crimes while in prison included wounding with intent, wounding, criminal damage, grievous bodily harm, false imprisonment, blackmail and threatening to kill.
He was released in 1988, spent 69 days free and was then arrested again for robbery. He was released in 1992 and arrested 53 days later for conspiracy to rob.
In 2000 he was given a life sentence for hostage taking.
He has been involved in more than a dozen hostage-taking incidents as well as roof-top protests and numerous attacks on guards and prisoners.
His notoriety has been the subject of books, interviews, studies and a film and he has written his own books - including books on fitness and working out in confined spaces.
The campaign to have Bronson freed says he is a poet and artist who raises money for children's charities.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice told the Yorkshire Post: "All visits to Category A prisoners are subject to strict security checks."
Comments
by news4u
Wednesday, August 17 2011, 9:54AM
“Oh dear we can't comment on the royal mail story,I'm guessing someone recently convicted has been complaining again but then the old boys handshake is alive and kicking”
by Jannerbloke
Wednesday, August 17 2011, 7:38AM
“A promotional stunt for Flex Gym?”
by Vinnie_Gar
Wednesday, August 17 2011, 7:35AM
“Sadly, some deluded fools like to glorify these dreadful people. A similar thing happened with Raoul Moat's funeral.
As for being a lookee likee - being a slaphead with a daft moustache doesn't count.”
by hanley2010
Wednesday, August 17 2011, 7:23AM
“If you have so much time on your hands, try doing something useful, not seeking some sick glory.”
by RussellJack
Wednesday, August 17 2011, 7:06AM
“Needs a proper hobby, maybe something like knitting or try just getting out a bit more.”
by MickBarb
Wednesday, August 17 2011, 3:34AM
“(quote)-Mr Swatton acts as a double for Bronson-(unquote)
Get into Elvis impressions instead mate”
by Baby_Lawyer
Wednesday, August 17 2011, 2:35AM
“A man who has been charged with taking hostages half a dozen times and you are wondering what the security risk is??? Campaigning for a man who has admitted that he deliberately committed crimes to have himself sent back to prison after being released because he is institutionalised!! What makes you think he wouldn't do exactly the same things again? I've seen some of Bronsons art work etc and find it very interesting. I think he is actually a clever and talented man and it is a shame that he didn't (or didn't have the opportunity) to put that to good use before he got into this lifestyle. The same could probably be said about many prisoners. But he did put himself there and no matter what he does for charity etc he should serve out his sentence as any other criminal would have to. I believe in second chances, but this man has already had several and time and again has shown why he was imprisoned in the first place. Why may I ask do you idolise a man who has got himself into this situation?”
by Anorexorcist
Tuesday, August 16 2011, 6:39PM
“Wanting to visit a bloke who likes to take hostages! Has he got some kind of Death wish? Moowooohahahahahaha!!”
by realist1955
Tuesday, August 16 2011, 5:31PM
“why even give this pr..k space in the paper?!!”
by alexstru
Tuesday, August 16 2011, 3:40PM
“Lookalike....looks and acts like an idiot!”