Crime

Seventeen deaths at Parc Prison: Calls for action after MP inquiry

Published

7 months ago

December 12, 2024

SMUGGLING PROBLEMS PERSIST

DRUGS smuggled into Parc Prison in Bridgend using drones, staff corruption, and even children’s nappies are contributing to a crisis that has seen 17 inmate deaths this year. MPs have grilled the management of the G4S-run facility – which houses many offenders from Pembrokeshire – over safety and governance issues.

Will Styles, director of HMP Parc, told the Welsh Affairs Select Committee that contraband enters the prison via several routes. “It can be thrown over the wall, brought in by visitors – hidden in bodily orifices or children’s nappies – or through staff corruption,” he explained.

Organised crime gangs, particularly those based in Wales and the Midlands, are exploiting drone technology to smuggle illicit items. “It takes 20 seconds to fly a drone over the wall, drop drugs, and exit the premises,” said Gordon Brockington, G4S managing director. “Even small amounts of drugs can cause enormous problems.”

***Parc Prison: Drug overdoses caused by the misuse of Nitazenes have killed inmates, MPs heard (Image: File)***

DEATHS UNDER SCRUTINY

The committee heard that of the 17 deaths at the prison this year, eight were from natural causes, three were self-inflicted, and five were drug-related. Parc Prison houses an ageing population, with 16% of inmates aged over 50, and serves as one of two palliative care centres in the UK.

Mr Brockington highlighted the threat of nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to 1,000 times more potent than morphine, which were introduced into the prison earlier this year. Despite these challenges, he insisted that the majority of staff are not corrupt.

PROGRESS BUT MORE TO DO

Ruth Jones, chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, pressed prison officials on whether inmates can be guaranteed safety. Mr Styles responded: “An awful lot of work has gone into improving safety and security. Self-harm and violence metrics have significantly improved, and there have been no non-natural deaths since June.”

Inmates have also reported feeling safer, and improvements to prison conditions and regimes have been noted. However, Ms Jones expressed concerns about ongoing issues, particularly the introduction of new drugs like nitazenes and the smuggling of tiny mobile phones designed to evade security.

FUTURE STEPS

The committee acknowledged that progress has been made but emphasized the need for continued efforts. Ms Jones said: “Seventeen deaths in one year is a tragedy and raises serious questions about safety. Frontline staff must be better trained to address emerging threats. Additionally, the Government must act swiftly to address the smuggling of mobile phones designed to evade security.”

The committee also noted that plans to expand Parc Prison would require addressing staffing and healthcare concerns. Ms Jones confirmed that her committee would monitor progress closely and revisit the issue if necessary.

MINISTER BACKS G4S CONTRACT

The UK Government’s Prisons Minister, Lord James Timpson, told the committee he has no plans to strip G4S of its contract to run HMP Parc. Responding to questions from the committee’s chair, Ruth Jones, Lord Timpson said he was impressed by improvements during a recent visit and saw no reason to cancel the contract.

“I’ve seen a number of prisons over the years, both in private and public ownership. It comes down to leadership and focus over the long term,” Lord Timpson said. “Despite the challenges, I think they did a lot of good things at HMP Parc, and the reasons to close a contract aren’t present in this case.”

***There was disorder in Parc Prison earlier in 2024, support was sent from other prisons (Image: Herald file)***

DRUGS IN PRISONS: A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS

Lord Timpson admitted that tackling drugs in prisons like Parc remains a significant challenge. “We have a long way to go on drugs,” he said. “We need to see it as a public health problem and ensure opportunities for inmates to turn their lives around. Substance-free wings, education, purposeful activity, and building meaningful relationships with officers are key.”

The minister emphasized the importance of reducing reoffending through rehabilitation efforts, saying: “If we can help people leave prison free of drugs or alcohol, it will make a massive difference to reoffending rates.”

SECURITY AND STAFFING IMPROVEMENTS

Will Styles told MPs that security checks on staff have increased five-fold since June, and staffing levels have improved. “The vast majority of staff are not corrupt,” he stressed, adding that work is ongoing to address smuggling routes, including industrial-scale drone drops organized by crime gangs.

Parc Prison’s management and the UK Government face mounting pressure to implement lasting solutions to safety and governance challenges. The Welsh Affairs Select Committee has pledged to continue monitoring progress closely.

Crime

Waste dumped at recycling centre leads police to drug factory near Cardigan

Published

6 hours ago

July 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Man jailed after drug discovery sparked by vigilant staff

A TIP-OFF from staff at an Aberystwyth recycling centre has led to the discovery of a large cannabis factory in a derelict property near Cardigan — and landed a 20-year-old man behind bars.

Manuel Nerguti was sentenced to six months in prison at Swansea Crown Court on Friday (July 11) after pleading guilty to producing a class B drug.

The court heard that on May 1 this year, workers at the Aberystwyth recycling centre reported a suspicious delivery: four to five bags of cannabis stalks, apparently dumped by men in a hired Ford Transit van.

Police acted quickly and intercepted the van later that afternoon on the road between Aberystwyth and Cardigan. Nerguti and two other men were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis, but were released without charge at the time, as no grow site had been located.

However, a month later, acting on new intelligence, Dyfed-Powys Police executed a warrant at a derelict house in Bridell, near Cardigan. Inside, they discovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation operation: 260 mature plants spread across five rooms and an attic, with the electricity supply illegally bypassed.

During the raid on June 7, Nerguti attempted to flee but was found hiding behind a washing machine in the garage.

He was charged and later pleaded guilty to producing cannabis.

Detective Constable Sam Garside, who led the investigation, praised the recycling centre staff for their quick thinking.

He said: “This result is thanks to the staff at the recycling centre for recognising that criminal activity was taking place and for alerting police quickly.

“We rely on the public to inform us of anything suspicious going on in their communities and we encourage people to get in touch if they suspect anything. We were able to use our local knowledge and police intelligence to execute a successful warrant and shut down an illegal cannabis factory.

“We are committed to continuing our drug operations across Dyfed-Powys and bringing offenders like Nerguti to justice.”

Police estimate the cannabis seized had a potential street value of up to £242,000.

More information on Operation Scotney — Dyfed-Powys Police’s campaign to tackle cannabis cultivation — including how to spot signs of a drug grow, can be found on their website.

Crime

‘Most extensive’ court order issued against paedophile with Pembrokeshire links

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Predator jailed for historic child sex offences as police enforce strict post-release controls

A CONVICTED paedophile who once lived in Pembrokeshire has been jailed and handed the most extensive Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) ever issued in the Dyfed-Powys Police force area.

STEVEN LOVERIDGE, aged 60, was sentenced to six years and seven months at Swansea Crown Court in May after admitting to a string of sexual offences involving young children, some dating back as far as 2007.

The Herald understands that some of Loveridge’s offending took place while he was living in West Wales, including during a period he spent residing in Pembrokeshire. Police have not confirmed specific locations, but the scale and historic nature of the abuse prompted a far-reaching investigation across multiple counties.

Following his conviction, Dyfed-Powys Police applied for an SHPO so extensive it has shocked even seasoned officers. The order contains 20 separate and highly specific prohibitions designed to protect the public both during and after Loveridge’s release from prison.

Lowri, a spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police’s Legal Services team, said: “In most cases, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order will contain two or three tailored conditions. Loveridge’s case was far from typical.

“The final order includes twenty distinct and targeted prohibitions. It reflects the extreme risk he poses to children and the importance of ensuring community safety.”

The SHPO legally binds Loveridge to a set of strict restrictions which will be enforced after his release from prison. These could include limits on internet access, contact with children, travel, and the use of certain technology — although the full details of the order have not been made public.

The force said the measures are part of a wider toolkit to monitor high-risk offenders and prevent reoffending.

Police confirmed that the complexity of the case, combined with the severity of the offences, led to what they have called a “ground-breaking” order, believed to be the most comprehensive ever imposed in the Dyfed-Powys region.

Loveridge will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Crime

Youth, 19, appears in court over Tenby stabbing incident

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A YOUNG man accused of stabbing a teenager in a Tenby housing estate on Monday (July 14) has been remanded in custody after appearing before magistrates.

OLIVER DOWLING, aged 19, of Newell Hill, Tenby, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 17) charged with three offences — including wounding with intent, possessing a knife in a public place, and possession of cannabis.

The charges relate to a serious incident on Hafalnod estate, where Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a man was taken to hospital after being stabbed with a knife. The victim, named in court as JOSH ALLEN, is recovering from his injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.

Dowling faces the following charges:

Wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (contrary to section 18 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861),

Possession of a bladed article in a public place, namely a kitchen knife, on Hafalnod estate,

Possession of a quantity of cannabis, a Class B drug.

No pleas were entered, and magistrates declined bail on the grounds that Dowling was likely to reoffend and could interfere with witnesses. He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea and trial preparation hearing at Swansea Crown Court on August 18 at 9:00am.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed a 20-year-old man had been arrested shortly after the incident and that no other individuals are being sought in connection with the matter.

A police spokesperson said: “There continues to be an increased police presence within the area, and if anyone has any concerns please speak to those officers.”