Jailbird Chas goes from bad to verse
BRONSON REVEALS SOUL IN POETRY BOOK
NOTORIOUS prisoner Charles Bronson has turned from crime to rhyme by publishing a book of poems.
Britain’s longest-serving inmate has penned Words From The Soul.
In the book, written with pal Richard Booth, he talks about his struggles during his 46-year jail stint.
The book also includes a poem dedicated to tragic TV presenter Caroline Flack, who died last year.
He wrote: “She was a beautiful lady, With a naughty smile, The world will miss Caroline, Love Island’s on the file.”
In Nightmares Of A Damaged Brain, he hints at wanting to die after a stint at Broadmoor, Berks, where he was sent in 1978.
Bronson writes:
“This asylum stole our hearts, In our mouth they hold a gun, Death would be a blessing,
Suicide by cop, Blown away our life-mares,
Show us what you got.”
In another poem, called Isolation, he compares himself to two of Britain’s most dangerous gangsters – Ronnie and Reggie Kray.
He writes: “Forever on the edge, Balancing for your life, Just like Ron and Reg.” Bronson, now known as Charles Salvador, first met the East End twins in 1975 while at Parkhurst prison on the Isle of Wight.
He is now in HMP Woodhill, near Milton Keynes, Bucks. Co-author Richard, a close pal of Bronson’s for several years, said the poetry showed the caring side of the con.
He said: “It’s powerful stuff. People might think they have an idea of who he is, but a lot of the poems show his softer side.
“The collection gives a real insight into Charles’ life and what he has been through and endured in jail.
“Sometimes it can be pretty hard reading, but in other poems you can see his funny side.”
Charles was first sentenced to seven years in jail over an armed robbery in 1974. He has won the right to have his parole bid heard in public and hopes to finally be released later this year.
Proceeds from the book, published on September 20 and sold at £12.99 on Amazon, will go to charity.