Footage shows Britain’s most notorious inmate singing What a Wonderful World for his 96-year-old mum through his cell door at HMP Long Lartin
Britain’s most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson has been caught on camera singing a song behind bars for his mum. The infamous lag, 73, is captured belting out What a Wonderful World from behind his cell door.
The convicted armed robber is currently making his ninth bid for freedom and hopes his latest parole hearing will finally see him released after decades in prison.
He was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery but repeated violence, taking hostages and bad behaviour behind bars meant his sentence was extended to life.
Footage of Bronson singing was reportedly recorded in April 2025 and shows him dedicating the classic Louis Armstrong song to his mother Eira Peterson, 96, who has been too unwell to visit him for years.
Before singing, Bronson can be seen talking to the camera and begins by saying: “If I was speaking to me mum, this is what I’d say. Yeah. Well, hello, Duchess! How are you, girl?
“It’s me. It’s Charlie. Not seen you for a while. About nine years…
“We’ve had some rough tumbles over the years, but we’re still there, mum. I’m on me way. We’ll have that cup of tea and a lovely slice of apple pie, okay?
‘So what I’m going to do for you, mum, I’m going to sing you our favourite song.’
“Don’t forget you’re always in my heart.”
Bronson then belts out the song in footage which has spread across social media. Reports claim it was leaked to coincide with the final days of his ninth formal parole board hearing.
The video was allegedly filmed in secret by another inmate using a mobile phone smuggled into HMP Long Lartin in April last year, shortly before Bronson was moved to HMP Wakefield, the Daily Mail reported.
Its claimed the lag filmed through the hatch in Bronson’s heavy cell door as he sang, before the footage was later passed on and circulated widely. It comes Bronson’s supporters have gathered outside his prison calling for his release, the Daily Star previously reported.
The group held placards and signs in support of the notorious prisoner on Monday (November 2) for the start of his two-day parole board hearing, where it is being considered whether or not it is safe to release him.
They are also discussing moving him to a wing with other members of the general prison population or even a more open prison.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: ‘Charles Bronson’s crimes were horrific and our thoughts remain with his victims.
‘It’s completely unacceptable for offenders to use mobile phones in custody and anyone caught breaking prison rules can face tough punishments, including extra time behind bars.’
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