News

Ex-inmate jailed for posting video of Parc Prison employee

Published

1 year 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.

News

Fatal crash appeal after driver dies on A44 near Aberystwyth

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a driver died in a crash on the A44.

Dyfed-Powys Police said the collision happened at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (May 5) on the A44 between Capel Bangor and Goginan, near Aberystwyth

The crash involved a single vehicle, a white Volkswagen Golf, which was travelling eastbound towards Goginan when it left the carriageway.

Sadly, the driver died at the scene. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police confirmed there were no other passengers in the vehicle.

Officers are now asking anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam footage from the area at the time, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Charity

Milford Haven Beer Fest set for Bank Holiday return

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Festival promises live music, Welsh ales and community spirit at the waterfront

MILFORD HAVEN Beer Fest is set to return later this month, with organisers promising another packed day of live music, craft drinks and festival atmosphere.

The popular annual event will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, May 23, inside the Ascona Group Marquee, with doors opening at 12:00pm.

Organisers say no advance tickets will be available, with entry operating on a first come, first served basis. Another sell-out is expected and early arrival is strongly advised.

A wide range of Welsh breweries and drinks producers will be represented, including Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Bluestone Brewing Company, Gethin’s Cider, Mantle Brewery, Gower Brewery and Core of the Poodle.

Tiny Rebel Brewery will also be serving lagers, IPAs and its new stout, Coal Drop, while Barti Rum will showcase its latest canned drinks. Prosecco and Pimm’s will also be available.

Entertainment throughout the day will be hosted by Pure West Radio, with headliners 4th Street returning to the waterfront.

The line-up also includes a DJ set from former Welsh rugby international and British and Irish Lion Josh Navidi, alongside performances from Steve Bartram, Big Chicken, Jake Taylor, Function 22 and Natalie O’Brien.

Festivalgoers will also be able to enjoy a street food zone featuring Grub Tacos, Junkyard Dogs and Reeves BBQ.

Community support

Nathan Rees, chairman of Milford Haven Round Table said: “The Beer Festival is a huge highlight for us – not just for the atmosphere, but for the impact it has.

“Every penny raised goes back into the community, funding events like our Carnival and Fireworks and supporting local causes.

“We’re also incredibly grateful to The Ascona Group for their continued sponsorship and to the Port of Milford Haven for their ongoing support as our Major Events Partner, as well as all the Beer Festival sponsors for 2026.”

Ticket information

Entry costs £25 and includes four drink tokens, a festival cup and live entertainment throughout the day.

Additional drink tokens will cost £2.50 each, with cash and card accepted.

The event is strictly over-18s only.

Organisers say there will be a 100 per cent bag search policy, with visitors strongly advised not to bring bags. Free water will be available, and dogs will not be allowed.

Charity

Pembroke Dock charity shop expands to support hospice care

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SHOP NOW OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK AFTER EXPANSION INTO ADJOINING UNIT

A CHARITY shop in Pembroke Dock has expanded into a neighbouring unit to help raise more money for local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home has completed a knock-through at its shop in Bierspool, London Road, creating a larger retail space and allowing the charity to offer a wider range of items, including furniture.

The expanded shop was officially opened on Friday (May 1) by the outgoing Mayor of Pembroke Dock, Cllr Michelle Wiggins.

The shop team, led by Kelly Elliot and supported by volunteers, worked for several weeks to prepare the new-look store for customers.

Head of Retail Julia Brady welcomed guests at the opening, while the charity also thanked staff, volunteers and supporters who helped decorate and prepare the premises.

Special thanks were given to Gill at Pembroke Dock Tesco for donating treats for customers and staff on the day.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home operates nine retail shops and an eBay department. Income from donations and sales helps fund the charity’s clinical teams, who provide free specialist palliative care to patients and families across Pembrokeshire.

The charity says it costs £3,600 every day to deliver its free clinical services. Around 30% of that cost is funded through Hywel Dda Health Board, with the remainder raised through retail income, fundraising and community support.

The Pembroke Dock shop is now open seven days a week, giving people more opportunities to shop, donate and support local hospice care.

Paul Sartori Hospice at Home was established in memory of Father Paul Sartori, a much-loved local priest who recognised the need for hospice care before his death from cancer at the age of 39.

The charity provides care for people with any life-limiting condition, not only cancer, and supports patients of all faiths and none. It operates an open referral system, with referrals accepted from patients, families, friends and healthcare professionals.

Paul Sartori Foundation Ltd operates under the name Paul Sartori Hospice at Home. The charity was registered in 1982 and will celebrate its 45th anniversary during 2027/2028.