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Britain’s longest-serving prisoner, Charles Bronson, is set to have his latest bid for freedom examined at an oral parole hearing in the coming months. The Parole Board’s decision marks a significant development in the case of the 73-year-classic, who has spent over five decades in custody, and will allow for a more thorough assessment of his eligibility for release.

Bronson, also known as Charles Salvador, was first jailed in 1974 for armed robbery. Subsequent acts of violence and hostage-taking led to a life sentence. Despite remaining behind bars for more than 50 years, this represents his ninth attempt to secure parole, with the last 12 years marked by a period without violent conviction. The case has garnered significant public attention due to Bronson’s notoriety and his own vocal campaign for freedom.

In a letter to Sky News, Bronson expressed his frustration with the prolonged nature of his imprisonment. “I am 23 years over my tariff. I am forever denied progress. I am forever kept in solitary. They won’t even seize me off Cat A,” he wrote. He continued, stating his intention to “expose this unlawful sentence and treatment,” characterizing it as a “total joke.” His case had previously been reviewed “on the papers,” a process involving the assessment of written evidence from prison officials, psychologists, and probation staff.

However, the Parole Board has now determined that the case warrants a full oral hearing, where evidence can be directly examined and witnesses questioned. This hearing will allow the board to more accurately assess the current risk Bronson poses to the public, and determine if his release into the community could be safely managed. The board also has the option of recommending a transfer to an open prison, allowing Bronson to experience a less restrictive environment.

Bronson has spent significant periods in solitary confinement, reportedly 23 hours a day for 37 years intermittently. Solicitor Gurdeep Singh, representing Bronson, stated his client is “delighted” with the progression to a full hearing, but acknowledged the fight for release is far from over. “He wants to show the world he is not the person he was, he hopes to convince the panel that he is a changed man intent on living a simple life in the outside world. He has high hopes he can observe his 95-year-old mother this year,” Singh said.

Bronson is expected to attend the hearing in person, providing him with a direct opportunity to address the panel and respond to concerns regarding his behavior and future plans. In a 2023 public hearing, he famously declared, “It’s no secret I have had more porridge than Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and I’m sick of it. I’ve had enough of it. I want to move home.” He had previously sought to have this year’s proceedings held in public, a request that was reportedly denied, though he may renew that application given the move to an oral hearing.

No date has yet been set for the upcoming hearing. The Parole Board’s decision to move forward with an oral hearing represents a crucial step in Bronson’s long-fought battle for freedom, but the outcome remains uncertain. The board will carefully weigh the evidence presented, considering both the potential risks and the possibility that Bronson has genuinely reformed.

The case continues to draw attention to the complexities of long-term imprisonment and the challenges of assessing risk and rehabilitation. The coming months will be critical as Bronson attempts to convince the Parole Board that he is no longer a threat to society and deserves a chance at life outside of prison walls.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.

The United Arab Emirates is bracing for a slight drop in temperatures and the potential for fog formation tomorrow, February 22nd, 2026. The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) forecasts a generally clear to partly cloudy day, with conditions becoming more humid overnight and into Monday morning. Residents in coastal and inland areas should be prepared for the possibility of fog or light fog, potentially reducing visibility.

The anticipated temperature decrease follows recent warmer weather and the NCM’s forecast highlights the dynamic nature of weather patterns across the region. The shift is expected to bring cooler evenings and mornings, alongside the increased risk of reduced visibility due to fog. This forecast is crucial for commuters and those involved in outdoor activities to plan accordingly.

Winds will be light to moderate, occasionally picking up in speed, blowing from the northwest to southwest at 10 to 20 km/h, potentially reaching up to 35 km/h at times. The Gulf of Arabia is expected to experience light to moderate waves, with high tide occurring at 4:10 PM and 4:28 AM, and low tide at 10:08 AM and 10:21 PM. The Sea of Oman will see light waves, with high tide at 1:29 PM and midnight, and low tide at 6:42 PM and 7:43 AM.

Here’s a breakdown of the expected high and low temperatures, along with humidity levels, for key cities across the UAE:

The NCM has previously issued warnings regarding the potential for fog and reduced visibility, particularly in western regions, starting from 3:00 AM on February 21st and continuing through 10:00 AM on February 22nd. The official warning urges caution for drivers and those operating in areas prone to fog. Emirates Today reports that the humidity will be particularly high overnight and into Monday morning, exacerbating the fog risk.

Residents can stay updated on the latest weather conditions by visiting the National Center of Meteorology’s website or contacting them directly at +971 2 222 7777. The NCM’s radar systems are continuously monitoring the situation, providing real-time data to help anticipate and manage the impact of the changing weather.

As the UAE prepares for these cooler temperatures and potential fog, it’s important to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. The NCM will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Stay tuned for further announcements regarding the weather forecast and any potential disruptions to daily life.

Share this information with your network to help ensure everyone stays safe and informed. What precautions are you taking to prepare for the foggy conditions?

The upcoming match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis promises a tightly contested affair, continuing a recent trend of closely fought games between the two sides. Historically, encounters between Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano have rarely resulted in blowouts, instead characterized by hard-fought battles and narrow margins. Analyzing their past meetings reveals a remarkably balanced record, suggesting a compelling showdown is in store for fans.

Since 2009, the two clubs have faced each other 26 times, with Real Betis securing 9 victories, Rayo Vallecano claiming 7, and a significant 10 matches ending in draws. The goal difference is equally close, with Betis finding the net 38 times compared to Rayo’s 36. This statistical parity underscores the competitive nature of their rivalry and suggests that any outcome is possible when they meet on the pitch. The consistent lack of dominant performances highlights the tactical nuances and unpredictable elements that define this fixture.

Recent results further emphasize this trend. In December 2025, a league match in Vallecas concluded in a 0-0 draw. Prior to that, in May 2025, the teams played to a 2-2 stalemate. Looking back further, a December 2024 match in Seville ended 1-1, and Rayo Vallecano secured a 2-0 victory in March 2024. These recent clashes demonstrate a pattern of closely contested games with few goals, requiring both teams to display intensity and precision to break the deadlock.

Real Betis appears to have enjoyed more consistent form, particularly at home, while Rayo Vallecano has proven capable of competing effectively even during challenging periods. The ability of both teams to remain competitive regardless of their overall season performance adds another layer of intrigue to their encounters.

Betis Receives Injury Boost Ahead of Saturday’s Match

Real Betis has received positive news on the injury front leading up to Saturday’s game, with key players Cucho Hernández, Chimy Ávila, and Héctor Bellerín returning to full fitness. This influx of available talent provides manager Pellegrini with more tactical options and the potential to field a more ambitious lineup. The return of these players is expected to bolster Betis’ attacking capabilities and overall squad depth.

Rayo Vallecano Riding High After Atlético Madrid Victory

Rayo Vallecano enters the match following a significant victory against Atlético de Madrid, a result achieved amidst internal challenges and ongoing issues with their stadium. This win demonstrates Rayo’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, showcasing their competitive spirit even when facing adversity. The team’s ability to overcome these obstacles highlights their determination and tactical flexibility.

This Betis-Rayo encounter is shaping up to be another closely contested affair, with a history of tight matches and minimal scoring differences. The midfield battle and clinical finishing in attack are expected to be decisive factors in determining the outcome. The teams’ recent form and the return of key players for Betis add further complexity to the equation.

Looking ahead, the outcome of this match could have implications for both teams’ respective positions in the league table. A victory for either side would provide a valuable boost in confidence and momentum as the season progresses. Fans can anticipate a captivating contest filled with tactical intrigue and passionate play.

What are your predictions for the Betis-Rayo Vallecano match? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow football fans!