Irene Dunroe, the 73-year-old ex-wife of Britain's most notorious prisoner Charles Bronson, has been banned from visiting him in prison. HMP Wakefield officials informed Dunroe that she poses a risk to security and safety, preventing her from seeing her former husband.
Dunroe, who stands at 4ft 11in, expressed disbelief at the ban, questioning how she, a pensioner who uses a bus pass, could be a threat. She told The Sun that she believes she is part of Bronson's necessary support network as he is currently undergoing parole hearings. Bronson, also 73, has served a total of 52 years for crimes including violence, grievous bodily harm, hostage-taking, and false imprisonment, with approximately 37 of those years spent in solitary confinement.
Bronson, legally known as Charles Salvador, was first jailed in 1974. He and Dunroe married as teenagers in 1971 and divorced in 1975 but have remained close. Dunroe has made frequent visits to Bronson throughout his incarceration.
Bronson is currently held at HMP Wakefield, a maximum-security facility also known as 'Monster Mansion.' His behavior has reportedly changed since his transfer to Wakefield, with Dunroe noting he has become quieter and no longer sings to her. She plans to challenge the ban.
In a separate incident in July, Bronson staged a sit-down protest in an exercise yard at HMP Wakefield after being served apple crumble without custard. Prison officers in riot gear eventually escorted him to his cell. A source indicated that such incidents, even those triggered by minor issues like a dessert accompaniment, can become significant security concerns due to Bronson's history.
Bronson is held in segregation for 23 hours a day and is not permitted to associate with other prisoners. His movements for gym and shower facilities must also be done alone.