Bronson cleared of trying to seriously harm prison governor

Notorious prisoner Charles Bronson has been cleared of attempting to seriously harm a prison governor.

Bronson, 66, was said to have lunged at Mark Docherty as he entered a room for a welfare meeting at HMP Wakefield on January 25.

He landed on top of Mr Docherty and screamed "I will bite your f***ing nose off and gouge your eyes out", before prison officers intervened and restrained him.

Representing himself at Leeds Crown Court, Bronson claimed he had intended to give Mr Docherty a "gentle bear hug" and whisper in his ear, but tripped, or was tripped by someone, and fell.

The defendant admitted he partly blamed the governor at Wakefield's segregation unit after he was told photographs of his prison wedding to actress Paula Williamson two months earlier would no longer be allowed to leave the jail until his release.

Bronson said he intended to whisper "where's my wife's photos?" in what he described as a "wake-up call" to the governor to not mess with his family.

Jurors found Bronson not guilty of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, after deliberating for just short of three hours on Thursday.

Appearing on video link from HMP Frankland, Bronson - who has changed his name to Charles Salvador - pursed his lips together after the verdict was delivered by the jury foreman and then did a celebratory jig as he waved his arms around.

Judge Tom Bayliss QC said to the defendant: "You seem pleased with that, Mr Salvador. You are discharged from this."

Before the link to the court was cut, Bronson smiled and replied: "British justice, best in the world. Thank you."

His supporters in the public gallery welcomed the jury's decision and laughed.