News

Ex-inmate jailed for posting video of Parc Prison employee

Published

2 years ago

November 11, 2024

A FORMER inmate and prison reform advocate has been sentenced for posting a video of a staff member restraining a prisoner on social media.

Zachery “Zac” Griffiths, 32, of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, shared the footage on a public Facebook group, sparking a legal backlash.

Griffiths, of Golygfor, Llanelli, was arrested and said he had received the information from those inside the prison. He said he knew it was illegal to post the footage online but he believed it was in the public interest.

The defendant later pleaded guilty to transmitting or causing the transmission of an image or sound from a prison contrary to the Prison Act 1952, and causing to be sent by public communication network an offensive, indecent, obscene, menacing message or matter.

The court heard he has 50 previous convictions including malicious communications, possessing a prohibited item in prison and drug offences.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, the victim said: “The incident has had a lasting effect on my life, my anxiety is terrible especially at night time. Every time I heard a noise my anxiety would go through the roof. I’m constantly paranoid and checking the windows and doors are locked. I check the windows to see if anyone is outside.”

Cardiff Crown Court sentenced Griffiths to 12 months, with half to be served in custody.

Griffiths, a prominent figure in prison reform, admitted to posting the video and to making false claims about a staff member at HMP Parc, a private prison in Bridgend, where he was previously incarcerated.

The court also issued a restraining order prohibiting Griffiths from contacting or referencing the worker, who endured significant distress due to Griffiths’ posts.

Griffiths, who served time from 2016 to 2020 and again until 2023 on charges including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, became an advocate for prison reform following his release.

He founded the HMP Prisons Justice Group UK, which operates primarily through a Facebook group with over 6,000 members.

Many members are families of inmates or of individuals who died in custody, and the group campaigns for reform and raises awareness of prison conditions, focusing especially on HMP Parc.

***Protests: Families of those who have died at the prison gather to protest – Zac was key to organising these demonstrations (Image: BBC)***

Seventeen inmates are known to have died at Parc so far this year – more than at any other prison.

The security company G4S, which runs HMP Parc, confirmed this number. It is understood eight deaths were of natural causes.

Three prisoners were also taken to hospital following disorder at the prison in June.

Griffiths’ posts falsely accused the prison support worker and her family of drug-related activities.

According to prosecutor Pamela Kaiga, the victim experienced severe anxiety, taking nine weeks off work—her first sick leave in nine-and-a-half years with G4S, the private firm managing Parc Prison.

She reported fearing for her safety and that of her daughter, and her family faced harassment in public due to Griffiths’ claims.

Throughout his advocacy, Griffiths has been vocal about what he describes as “toxic” conditions within HMP Parc, alleging issues with drug access, corruption, and inadequate rehabilitation.

He has specifically pointed to rising availability of harmful substances like fentanyl, claiming that prison authorities fail to address these issues effectively. Griffiths argues for a shift toward rehabilitation-focused incarceration, which he claims is crucial for preparing inmates to reenter society.

***Disturbance at Parc Prison in June 2024: Zac was live streaming from the event, and spent hours outside the facility (Image: Herald)***

Representing himself in court, Griffiths claimed he posted the video to expose troubling conditions within the prison, asserting that his actions were in the public interest.

However, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke rejected his defense, stating, “You are not making a speech for your campaign.” She further criticized Griffiths’ actions as “intentional” and “deliberate,” asserting that his decision to spread unverified claims was designed to advance his cause rather than serve the truth.

While Griffiths’ group has garnered support from families affected by prison-related issues, his approach has sparked debate. His unverified claims about prison staff and contentious public statements, including disputes with officials like Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt, have led to criticism from prison authorities who dispute his assertions. Griffiths acknowledges crossing a line, yet views the publicity his group achieved as a positive outcome.

***Active in the community: Zac runs a prison support group on Facebook with over 6000 members (Image: SWP)***

Last month, Prisons Minister James Timpson announced an investigation into alleged corruption within HMP Parc. The judge highlighted that Griffiths’ actions may have indirectly influenced scrutiny of the prison, but questioned whether his methods justified the harm caused to individuals affected by his claims.

As Griffiths left the dock, he waved to friends and supporters in the public gallery.

While his actions have drawn attention to the need for prison reform, they also illustrate the risks and responsibilities that come with high-stakes activism.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

14 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.

News

Rhun ap Iorwerth urges new deal for Wales after Starmer quits

Published

21 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister says next Prime Minister must focus on greater powers, fair funding and respect for Wales’ democratic mandate

FIRST MINISTER Rhun ap Iorwerth has said the next UK Prime Minister must commit to a “new relationship with Wales” as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to leave office.

The Plaid Cymru leader said he wished Sir Keir well, but warned that political instability in Westminster was affecting the Welsh Government’s ability to engage with Number 10 on issues that matter to people in Wales.

***First Minister: Rhun ap Iorwerth says Wales needs greater powers, fair funding and respect from Westminster***

His comments came after Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.

Starmer will remain in Downing Street until Labour selects a successor.

Mr ap Iorwerth said: “I am disappointed that the Welsh Government’s ability to engage with the UK Prime Minister on issues which matter to the people of Wales is being hampered by the turmoil in Westminster.

“I wish Sir Keir Starmer well as he prepares to leave office. I would like to see his successor recognising that Wales needs a new relationship with Westminster, with a focus on greater powers, fair funding, and respect for the democratic mandate delivered by the people of Wales.

“My government and I will always seek a constructive relationship with whoever is in Number 10, but we have clear expectations that the respect agenda must work both ways.”

In a shorter statement posted online, the First Minister added: “The next PM must commit to a new relationship with Wales — with a focus on greater powers, fair funding and respect for our mandate.”

Labour’s National Executive Committee is expected to open nominations for the party leadership on July 9, with the process due to be completed before Parliament returns from its summer break in September if a contest is required.

Andy Burnham is widely expected to enter the race after returning to Parliament following his victory in the Makerfield by-election.

The change of leadership comes at a sensitive time for Wales, with questions over fair funding, the future of devolution, public services and the relationship between Cardiff Bay and Westminster likely to feature prominently in the weeks ahead.

News

Welsh Conservatives say Starmer resignation will not fix Labour’s failures

Published

42 minutes ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Darren Millar says Wales needs “tough decisions” as Labour prepares to choose a new Prime Minister

THE LEADER of the Welsh Conservatives has said Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation will not change the impact of Labour’s failures on Wales.

Darren Millar MS said replacing one Labour leader with another would not solve the problems facing families and businesses across the country.

His comments came after Starmer announced on Monday (Jun 22) that he would resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.

Starmer will remain in office until Labour selects a successor, with Andy Burnham widely expected to enter the race.

***Darren Millar MS: Said replacing one Labour leader with another would not solve the problems facing the country***

The Welsh Conservatives said Wales was still facing the consequences of Labour decisions on the cost of living, energy, welfare and defence spending.

They said the focus should now be on “getting Britain working again” rather than simply changing the person leading the Labour Party.

Mr Millar said: “Sir Keir Starmer may be going, but Labour’s failures remain.

“The last thing Wales and the rest of the UK needs is another Labour leader who won’t stand up to Labour MPs on welfare, energy, defence spending and action on the cost of living.

“His decision is a reminder that Kemi Badenoch is the only leader of a political party in the UK with the backbone to make tough decisions and get Britain working again.”

The resignation has triggered a major political transition at Westminster.

For Wales, the change at No 10 comes at a time of growing political pressure over public services, household costs, economic growth and the future direction of the UK Government.

Welsh Labour figures are likely to face renewed scrutiny as opposition parties seek to link the party’s record in Westminster with its long period in power in Cardiff Bay.

The Conservatives are expected to argue that a change of Labour leader will not mean a change of policy unless the party changes direction.

Starmer said in his resignation speech that becoming Prime Minister had been the “proudest moment” of his life, but accepted that his party no longer believed he was best placed to lead it into the next general election.