A FORMER prison officer has come forward with allegations of systemic failings at HMP Parc in Bridgend, claiming that neglect, a toxic workplace culture, and management shortcomings have jeopardised inmate welfare and staff safety. Speaking under the pseudonym “Jack” to protect his identity, the whistleblower detailed his experiences, including alleged safeguarding failures in the lead-up to the death of inmate Shay Andrews and wider issues at the G4S-operated facility.

Jack, who worked at HMP Parc for several years, revealed how insufficient training, staff misconduct, and managerial failings created an environment where inmate welfare was neglected, and the prison’s fundamental purpose of rehabilitation was undermined.

Allegations of failures and neglect

Jack’s most damning allegations centred on the death of Shay Andrews, a 23-year-old inmate who suffered from a medical condition that made him resistant to pain and difficult to restrain. “When Shay died, officers were cheering,” Jack said. “They were relieved they wouldn’t have to deal with him anymore, but that behaviour was sickening. Shay was a human being who needed support, not disdain.”

He also described a culture of neglect, where understaffing and lack of training put prisoners and officers at risk. Jack recalled being left alone on a wing during his third day of shadowing. “I didn’t feel safe. I wasn’t prepared, and I didn’t even know where to find the paperwork I needed to do the job properly,” he said.

Jack further alleged that a manager’s romantic relationship with a prison officer contributed to serious professional misconduct. According to Jack, this officer was responsible for conducting welfare checks on Cameron Anthony, another inmate whose death in custody has drawn scrutiny. Jack claimed that the officer failed to carry out the required ACT (Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork) checks, leaving a gap of over five hours. “Instead of addressing the failure, senior management instructed that Cameron be counted in the roll call despite being unresponsive,” Jack said. “They said they’d ‘deal with it afterwards.’”

Jack also alleged that officers falsified records, logging welfare checks and key worker sessions that had not actually been conducted. “I’ve seen officers scroll through previous reports and copy-paste details into new ones to make it look like the checks were done. It’s appalling and puts lives at risk,” he said.

Cultural and systemic issues

Jack painted a grim picture of a toxic workplace culture at HMP Parc, where officers allegedly prioritised control over care. “It’s all power trips and bullying. Some officers think having the keys makes them superior, but it should be about working with the prisoners to help them rehabilitate,” he said.

Prisoners’ basic needs were also often ignored, according to Jack. He cited examples of inadequate food portions, delays in delivering mail, and neglect of religious dietary requirements. “I’ve seen prisoners go without proper meals, receiving just a cheese roll, a piece of fruit, and a packet of crisps. I’ve seen inmates go out to work in the winter with holes in their shoes because they had no family to send clothes,” he said.

New allegations from other former officers

Fresh allegations have emerged regarding additional inmate deaths at HMP Parc, bringing the total to 17 deaths in the past 10 months. Former officer Jim (not his real name) has come forward with claims of safeguarding failures linked to the deaths of Michael “Mikey” Horton, Warren Manners, and Shay Andrews.

“These three deaths should never have happened,” Jim said. He described widespread issues with corruption, including “laughable” staff searches and failures to prevent frequent drone drops of contraband. Jim also highlighted a “revolving door” of overstretched staff, which he claimed left them unable to perform their duties properly.

Mikey Horton’s family, devastated by his death, expressed outrage at the alleged failings. “We are appalled,” they said.

Since late February, 17 inmate deaths have been recorded at HMP Parc. According to G4S, these included five drug-related deaths, three self-inflicted, eight of natural causes, and one of unknown causes.

Jim also alleged that G4S denied claims of staff working 24-hour shifts until evidence was presented, forcing the company to admit it had occurred in “unusual” circumstances. The company stated James had been dismissed for dishonesty, which he denies, but did not dispute his core allegations.

Broader issues at HMP Parc

HMP Parc, one of the largest prisons in the UK, has faced ongoing scrutiny due to high inmate death rates, drug smuggling, and violence. In 2024 alone, the prison recorded 17 deaths, many linked to synthetic opioids like nitazenes.

Jack’s testimony adds to concerns about how the prison is managed, with allegations of chronic understaffing, inconsistent regimes, and a lack of meaningful rehabilitation opportunities for inmates. “They’re locked in their cells for up to 18 hours a day because there aren’t enough officers to run the wings. That frustration and tension could be avoided with better management,” Jack said.

Calls for accountability

Jack has called for G4S to lose its contract to run HMP Parc, arguing that the prison’s private management prioritises profit over rehabilitation. “They’ve failed the prisoners, the staff, and the community. If prisoners aren’t rehabilitated, they’ll come out worse than they went in, and that’s a danger to society,” he said.

The former officer urged other staff to come forward. “Every story matters. These inmates are someone’s family, and they deserve to be treated with dignity. Change starts with us speaking out.”

G4S Responds to allegations

In response to the claims, a spokesperson for HMP Parc said: “G4S cannot comment publicly on individual death in custody cases in advance of the Coroners’ Inquests, and it is hugely concerning that a former employee has chosen to do so.”

The spokesperson also emphasised recent efforts to improve conditions at the prison:
“Over the last several months, the team at Parc has worked at pace to make improvements at the prison with a focus on six key areas – staffing, safety, security, drugs, regime, and respect. We are pleased to see outcomes improving in these areas.”

On the issue of inmate activities and staff training, the spokesperson added: “Men take part in around 30 hours of purposeful activity a week. Men also have access to a level of additional out-of-cell association time, exceeding that delivered in most closed prisons. Our Prison Custody Officer training meets HMPPS requirements.”

Addressing other allegations, G4S stated:

• “Staffing levels are based on the same staff-to-prisoner ratios that are used in all closed prisons, public or private.”
• “Significant effort and resources are used to mitigate the ingress of illicit substances, and we work with partners at a local and national level, including South Wales Police.”
• “We have identified improvements that can be made in terms of meal options and portion sizing, and we are working with our catering provider on those issues. We don’t recognise the allegations about the religious service provision at Parc, which is good.”
• “We check parcels and mail to ensure they are not impregnated with drugs or contraband, which sometimes causes delays. Carrying out these checks saves lives.”

Jack’s testimony paints a troubling picture of life inside HMP Parc, but G4S insists that steps are being taken to address these issues. With inquests into multiple deaths pending, scrutiny of the prison’s operations remains intense.

As the Coroners’ Inquests approach, the spotlight is firmly on HMP Parc and the systemic challenges facing the UK’s prison system.

THE 2025 FROSTBITE SERIES at Neyland Yacht Club (NYC) kicked off with an impressive display of skill and determination, despite initial forecasts of dead calm threatening to cancel the first race.

A fleet of 14 crews gathered on Neyland’s waters and, by mid-afternoon, enjoyed a fresh breeze ranging from 10 to 23 knots from the south. The triangular course, set just east of the club, began with a challenging downwind start near the marina car park, followed by an upwind leg to Neyland Spit, and concluded with a broad reach back to the club line.

Intense competition in Division 1

The start was clean, with Simon G in his International Moth surging ahead to lead the fleet at the first mark. Hot on his heels were Alan G and Annie R in their Dart 18, while Geoff T, tactically starting at the pin end closer to shore, rounded in third.

Drama unfolded early as Kiera E and Simon T, racing their 29er, capsized when caught off-guard by a sudden gust while hoisting their spinnaker.

Despite close battles throughout, the leading positions remained largely unchanged by the end of the first lap. Ross P, sailing a Solution, engaged in a fierce duel with a Supernova, with both boats swapping minor leads during different legs. Alec D, piloting her ILCA 6 with precision and calm, rounded off the Division 1 finishers.

Simon G’s International Moth completed the four-lap course at an impressive average lap time of 2 minutes 37 seconds. However, the question of whether this blistering pace would secure victory on corrected time lingered.

In the end, the Dart 18’s consistent speed and strong performance gave Alan G and Annie R the win on corrected time, defying conventional wisdom that catamarans struggle in Neyland’s waters. The Solution claimed second place, followed by the Supernova in third, Alec D’s ILCA 6 in fourth, and the International Moth rounding out the top five.

Division 2: Tight battles and a new leader

Division 2 saw a promising start as Isabelle N led the fleet of Teras to the first mark, navigating the challenging tidal conditions with confidence. However, her race was cut short when her lower mast snapped, forcing her to retire.

Liam F seized the opportunity, taking the lead ahead of Cerise L, Anwen S, and Ted S. Sailing with the larger Pro rig for the first time, Liam showcased impressive skill and steadily extended his lead over the next two laps.

The Tera fleet displayed remarkable boat handling, particularly when tackling the turbulent waters at the start of the beat, where the outgoing tide collided with a back eddy near the shore.

Liam F finished first in Division 2, followed by Cerise L in second, Anwen S in third, and Ted S in fourth.

Delayed start cancels second race

The delayed start of the first race meant there wasn’t enough time to hold a second race. Nevertheless, the day ended on a high note, with all participants applauding the challenging conditions and thrilling competition.

AFTER nearly six years of dedicated service as Chairman of the Pembroke Dock Heritage Trust, Graham Clarkson has stepped down from the role.

Taking the helm is Rik Saldanha MBE, a former RAF officer with an impressive 37-year career in the Service. Speaking at the Trust’s recent annual meeting, Rik paid tribute to Graham’s steadfast contributions and commitment to the Trust and the Heritage Centre, particularly during the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Graham will remain actively involved as a Trustee and Volunteer.

Both Rik and his wife, Gill, are integral to the volunteer team that supports the Pembroke Dock Heritage Centre. Rik serves as Maintenance Trustee, while Gill holds the role of Archive Curator.

The Trust also announced new appointments. Dr Andy Watkin has been named Vice Chairman, and solicitor Angharad Scourfield has joined the Trustees. Angharad continues a family legacy of championing local heritage. Her late father, Gareth Scourfield, a prominent Pembroke Dock architect, was a passionate advocate for preserving the town’s history. He played a key role in heritage initiatives until his passing in 2023.

The changes mark a new chapter for the Trust, with a blend of experienced and fresh leadership to guide its efforts in preserving Pembroke Dock’s rich heritage.