Prison group attacks Bronson film

This billboard can be seen near to where Bronson is being held

A film about a notorious British criminal has been condemned by prison officers for glorifying violence.

Bronson tells the story of Charles Bronson, the man described as the country's most dangerous prisoner.

First sentenced to seven years for armed robbery in 1974, Bronson has been in prison almost constantly since then, most of it in solitary confinement.

He is held at high-security Wakefield jail, where a poster promoting the film can be seen near the prison walls.

The former bare-knuckle fighter has been incarcerated for 34 years having carried out a string of violent crimes while behind bars, including hostage-taking, assaults and rooftop protests.

He has spent only four months out of custody since 1974.

Now aged 56, he was born Michael Peterson in Aberystwyth, west Wales, but his name was changed by his fight promoter in 1987.

We should not be glorifying this type of behaviour Colin Moses, national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association

While in prison, Bronson has developed an extreme fitness regime and occupies himself by writing poetry and producing pieces of art.

The film about his life is released on 13 March, reportedly two days after Bronson goes before the Parole Board to try to win his freedom.

Colin Moses, national chairman of the Prison Officers' Association, said: "We should not be glorifying this type of behaviour. This man has spent the best part of his life behind bars for causing harm to people.

"He has caused trauma to hard-working, law-abiding people who will never work again. Bronson is not a victim, he is the perpetrator."