Jail hardman Bronson ‘stopped from biting off prison governor’s nose’
NOTORIOUS prisoner Charles Bronson whistled the theme tune to The Great Escape before he tried to bite off the nose of a prison governor and gouge out his eyes, a court has heard.
The 65-year-old, who changed his name to Charles Salvador, allegedly attacked Governor Mark Docherty in January for not being allowed to see photos of his wedding to ex-Coronation Street star Paula Williamson.
They married at HMP Wakefield in November last year.
Bronson, who is from Aberystwyth, denies attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
Often described as the “most violent prisoner in Britain”, his appearance at Leeds Crown Court for the first day of his trial yesterday was interrupted by his bizarre antics.
As the court prepared for prosecutor Carl Fitch to open the case, Bronson, in a green and yellow prison boiler suit and sporting a handlebar moustache, said: “Shall we have a sing-song while we wait?”
Judge Tom Bayliss replied: “I think perhaps not.” When asked if he objected to three prison guards on the jury, Bronson said: “The big fat one there, I’ll have him.”
As the jury erupted in laughter, Judge Bayliss told Bronson, who has spent 40 years in jail: “Insulting the jurors at this stage is not a good plan.”
Mr Fitch told how on January 25, Bronson was taken by six guards to see Mr Docherty.
He said: “Whilst waiting outside he started whistling the theme to The Great Escape.
“When the door opened Mr Salvador rushed at Mr Docherty and swung his arm around his neck with such force he was knocked onto the floor.
“Mr Salvador was on top of him shouting, ‘I’ll bite your ******* nose off and I’ll gouge your eyes out’.”
The Governor got free but had suffered minor injuries.
Mr Fitch said: “Had it not been for the rapid response of the prison officers [Bronson] would’ve caused severe injury.”
The trial continues.