Charlie himself is now 65 years old. He qualifies for a senior citizens’ bus pass. He is the son of an elderly and frail mother. He is the husband to a dedicated wife. He is an artist. He is a fitness fanatic who has published no less than 20  books. He was played by Tom Hardy in the movie of his life.

But as well as all those things, Charlie is also Britain’s most notorious prisoner, having spent most of the last 44 years in prison.

On his 65th birthday last year a petition with over 22000 signatures was handed into No 10 Downing Street, demanding his release. I represent the thousands of people who think Charlie should be released from solitary confinement and allowed a fair hearing so that in time he can be considered for release. 

The case

Charlie is one of the UK's longest-serving prisoners. He has spent more years inside than most convicted murderers or sex attackers ever will, yet he has never killed or sexually assaulted anyone. Whilst those who have are seemingly given a chance, Charlie is not. The time that he has spent in prison is disproportionate to his crimes. He is being punished for being Charles Bronson when he is now a very different man.

We are raising money so that Charlie can challenge the decision to keep him in solitary confinement as of this time he has not been approved for legal aid. It can’t be right that someone who has served the minimum term for his offences many times over is being held on a unit that only holds prisoners serving life without parole.

How much are we are raising and why

We are looking to raise £10,000. This is to cover Charlie’s legal costs in the judicial review claim. His legal team have so far been working “pro bono” (for free) but there will be a lot of work involved in the judicial review claim, and some funds will need to be set aside to cover any risk that Charlie could be ordered to pay the costs of the Prison Service.

Charlie applied for Legal Aid but his application was initially refused which has caused delay in bringing this claim for Judicial Review.

Charlie is represented by John Tuner, a solicitor with Kyles Legal Practice and Matt Stanbury, a barrister with Garden Court North. They are both very experienced in this type of case and they are optimistic that the case will be successful. If it is, it could make 2018 the year that Charlie finally begins his long walk to freedom. 

Case background

Charlie is currently being held in a “close supervision centre” (CSC) at HMP Wakefield. The CSC is solitary confinement in that Charlie has no contact with the other prisoners. He is the only prisoner on the unit who is not serving a whole life order (life without parole). He has served the minimum term for his offences many times over. He is refused parole each time his case is considered because the Parole Board won’t release him until he has been “tested” in less secure conditions. He has successfully completed a Violence Reduction Programme which is aimed at high risk and violent offenders and is delivered on a one-to-one basis. There is nothing further for him to do within the CSC. He is stuck in a rut.

Charlie’s case is reviewed each month by a “management committee” at the prison. After each review he is told that he is staying where he is. He has not been set any targets. He is not being offered any courses to reduce his risk. He is being denied any hope of securing his release so that he can be with his new wife and spend time with his elderly mother.

Please support this campaign to get Charlie a fair hearing by donating now and share this page with your friends and family on social media. Charlie deserves a fair hearing.  Thanks for your support.