Charles Bronson persona as one of Britain’s “most violent” prisoners is just an “act”, according to a fellow cellmate.
John Massey served 43 years for the murder of pub doorman Charlie Higgins in 1975 – making him the longest-serving prisoner in the UK at the time. And he even crossed paths with notorious hardman Bronson.
Speaking to podcaster Dodge Woodall, Massey said: “As far as I’m concerned [Bronson] can have the f***ing title [longest-serving prisoner], because I don’t want it.”
Massey believes that Bronson could secure his freedom if he chose to. He stated: “He could get out, he could still get his freedom now if he dropped all the b******s, started talking sensible and stopped telling f***ing lies and putting all the act on becoming normal.”
(Image: Philip Coburn)
The relationship between Massey and Bronson is strained, to say the least. Despite initially trying to mentor Bronson, Massey, now 76, has cut all ties.
He added: “I don’t wish the geezer any ill-will or anything but he’s kind of made his own bed he’s got to lie in it.”.
Reflecting on their early encounters, Massey said: “When he first came away I was in Frankland, and he was just a big soppy kid then. We felt like he needed to tone it down a bit. We kind of looked after him, but then he kind of got too comfortable and the bully in him started coming out.”
According to Massey, Bronson’s behaviour was not only strange but also seemed contrived. He concluded: “He was taking liberties and acting f*****g weird and to my mind it was all scripted and manufactured.”
(Image: Dodge Woodall/YouTube)
Massey has claimed that Bronson is now trapped by the persona he created for himself, stating: “He’s built up this character and I think he’s locked into the role now.”
The two had a falling out after one of Bronson’s “army of fans and wannabes” sent him an unsolicited gift of £25 – something Bronson felt was unfair.
After Bronson’s complaint, Massey returned £50 to the woman and instructed her to never contact him again. It caused a rift between the two men which was worsened by Bronson’s treatment of his former PA, who to this day remains close to Massey.
(Image: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Bronson’s prison feuds aren’t limited to Massey. He has also clashed with serial killer Robert Maudsley, the so-called ‘cannibal killer’ who has been described as the most dangerous man in the British prison system.
Maudsley, who has been locked for over 40 years, reportedly “hated” Bronson during their time in HMP Wakefield, dubbed the “Monster Mansion”.
He would blast rock music at deafening volumes to irritate Bronson, trying to sleep in the neighbouring cell. In response, the ex-bareknuckle fighter would whistle eerily, a tactic designed to remind Maudsley of his controlling mother.