Notorious inmate Charles Bronson launched himself at a prison governor and threatened to gouge his eyes out prior to a welfare meeting, a court has heard. 

Leeds Crown Court heard how Bronson, 65, threw himself at Mark Docherty at HMP Wakefield on January 25, having held the governor responsible for one of his visitors not being allowed to use their own wheelchair.

Giving evidence on Tuesday, Docherty said the relationship between himself and the defendant, who is standing trial under the name Charles Salvador, was “not good”.

Docherty said that at the time of the incident he was meeting with Bronson – now at Frankland Prison in County Durham – in order to discuss his “welfare and engagement” within the prison system.

The governor said Bronson “never” attended such meetings. A psychologist, members of an independent monitoring board, probation and a personal officer were all due to attend.

Describing the moment he invited Bronson into the adjudication room to begin proceedings, Docherty said: “I could see Mr Salvador look to draw a punch or to grab me by the neck.

“I have not had the chance to move so I got hold of Mr Salvador’s arm as it’s come round my neck.

“As I grabbed hold of his arm I went back into the chair and I think the momentum of me and Mr Salvador heading in the same direction meant I fell to the floor and Mr Salvador fell on top of me.”

Giving a detailed account of the alleged attack, he added: “He was just squashing my face. I could hear him say ‘I will take your f****** eyes out’.”

Bronson was eventually pulled away with the help of custodial manager Steven Coomber and a number of his colleagues, Docherty said.

But as he was pulled away, the inmate threatened HMP Wakefield’s governor, David Harding, saying he would “be next”, jurors were told.

Bronson, who is defending himself, denies a single charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

When asked whether he could see Docherty well enough from his seat in the dock, the prisoner said: “I don’t really want to see him, but yes.”

As prosecutor Carl Fitch took a gulp of water during the morning session, Bronson, who has served over 40 years in prison, was heard to say: “I hope that’s not gin.”

The trial is expected to conclude this week.