Crime
Custody officer injured in latest incident at Welsh jail
The incident happened at Parc Prison where many offenders from Pembrokeshire are housed
POLICE are investigating an alleged stabbing incident at the privately-run Parc Prison in Bridgend after a custody officer was injured.
The disturbance took place shortly before midday on Wednesday (Sept 10), when an inmate is said to have used an improvised weapon to attack a member of staff. South Wales Police confirmed they are investigating after “a prison custody officer was assaulted”. The officer sustained minor injuries.
A source familiar with conditions inside the jail claimed the prisoner involved had been confined to his cell for several days on a so-called “red regime”, imposed when staff numbers fall short. However, G4S – the company responsible for running Parc – denied this, stating that there had been no “prolonged” red regime and insisting the incident was not linked to staff shortages.
The same source also alleged that the prisoner threatened both fellow inmates and staff during the attack. G4S said: “A prison custody officer was injured following an incident on September 10. No-one else was injured and the incident was not related to the regime.”
It is the second stabbing reported at Parc in recent weeks. On July 26, one inmate was allegedly stabbed by another using a weapon made from a tin can. The injured prisoner’s mother claimed her son had been attacked in his cell by another inmate who was under the influence of the synthetic cannabinoid spice. On that occasion G4S confirmed an inmate was taken to hospital “for treatment on a minor injury”.
Concerns about safety and conditions at Parc are not new. A critical inspection report earlier this year found that easy access to drugs inside the jail had fuelled “a spate of tragic deaths”. Inspectors said standards had “declined significantly” since G4S was awarded a new 10-year contract in 2022, highlighting weaknesses such as cell windows that could be easily opened to receive drug drops from drones.
In 2023, Parc recorded 17 inmate deaths – the highest number of any prison in the UK. Five were drug-related, three self-inflicted, eight attributed to natural causes, and one of unknown cause.
Responding to the inspection, G4S said: “The first six months of 2024 were extremely difficult and our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the men that passed away. Since then considerable work has been carried out to make significant improvements at the prison.
“We are encouraged that the report recognises that we are making solid progress and noted positive developments in tackling violence, self-harm rates, and use of force. We are determined to ensure the men in our care are safe, supported, and can feel optimistic about their futures and we are working tirelessly on a comprehensive improvement plan.”
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.
Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.
The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.
Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.
Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.
Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.
“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.
The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.
Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.
At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.
“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.
When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”
Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”
As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”
A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.
The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.
The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.
It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.
A plea of not guilty was entered.
Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.
A reporting restriction remains in force.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.
Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.
The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.
Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.
Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.
The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.
The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.
The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.
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