WEST WALES prison reform advocate Zack Griffiths has had all malicious communications charges against him dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service—but still faces one remaining charge linked to a video posted on social media.

Griffiths, who has become a prominent critic of conditions at HMP Parc in Bridgend, was arrested in April this year while attending Cardiff Crown Court. He was subsequently recalled to prison, where he remains in custody.

The dropped charges were originally brought under the Online Safety Act and related to alleged online harassment. However, the CPS has now confirmed it will offer no evidence on these counts. Supporters have claimed the charges were part of a campaign to silence Griffiths’ outspoken activism.

The remaining charge concerns a video filmed inside a prison, which appeared in a Facebook group run by Griffiths. While it is not alleged that Griffiths himself posted the footage, prosecutors claim he is liable as the group administrator for failing to remove the content.

His legal team, however, argue that the video was uploaded using the platform’s anonymous posting feature, and that Griffiths had no knowledge of its publication. They are expected to apply to have the charge struck out at a hearing on Friday (May 24).

Griffiths is a former inmate who served time for drug-related offences. Since his release, he has dedicated himself to campaigning on behalf of prisoners and their families, often using social media to highlight alleged corruption, drug abuse, and violence inside UK prisons—particularly HMP Parc.

In November 2024, he was jailed for 12 months for posting a video of a Parc prison officer restraining an inmate. He also falsely accused a staff member of involvement in drug dealing, leading to a restraining order. Griffiths represented himself during that trial and argued he was acting in the public interest.

The case against him continues against the backdrop of intensifying scrutiny at HMP Parc, where six prison officers have been arrested in recent months on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and where several deaths in custody are under investigation.

Griffiths’ supporters have branded the ongoing legal proceedings a “witch hunt” and are calling for a public inquiry into G4S-run Parc Prison.

A 22-YEAR-OLD man from Haverfordwest has been formally cleared of an allegation that he strangled a woman earlier this year.

Byron Rowlands, of Baring Gould Way, had faced a charge of intentional strangulation following an alleged incident in the town on 15 February.

He denied the accusation from the outset, and a trial had been scheduled for later this year.

During a previous hearing, his barrister said Rowlands had been clear that the incident “did not happen”.

However, the case was brought back before Swansea Crown Court after a review was triggered by a bail application.

Prosecutor Regan Walters confirmed that no further evidence would be offered against Rowlands.

Judge Catherine Richards recorded a not guilty verdict and told the defendant he would be released.

“This concludes the matter,” she said.

POLICE forces across Wales have launched a week of action as part of Operation Sceptre — the national campaign aimed at reducing knife crime.

Running from Monday (May 19) to Sunday (May 25), the initiative involves a coordinated effort by neighbourhood policing teams, who will be visiting retailers to provide guidance on legislation and encourage staff to challenge underage attempts to purchase knives.

The campaign also offers members of the public a safe and anonymous way to dispose of knives and bladed articles. Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that the following police stations will accept voluntary surrenders throughout the week:

• Llangunnor Road, Carmarthen
• Old Castle Road, Llanelli
• Boulevard St. Brieuc, Aberystwyth
• Parc Teifi, Cardigan
• Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest
• Park Lane, Newtown

A police spokesperson said: “This is part of our ongoing commitment to remove knives from our communities and reduce the risk of harm. While the vast majority of people do not carry knives, the impact of even one incident can be devastating.”

Residents are also urged not to donate unwanted knives to charity shops. Instead, they can safely dispose of them in designated metal bins at local recycling centres.

Anyone concerned that someone they know may be carrying a knife is encouraged to report it — either to the police directly, to a trusted adult, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.