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Crime

Ex-prison officer exposes failures and mismanagement at HMP Parc

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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.

B wing at Parc Prison, Bridgend (Image: Herald)

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.

The prison officer we interviewed did not want to be publicly named (Image: Artist’s impression)

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.

February, 17 inmate deaths have been recorded at HMP Parc (Image HMP training exercise, stock file)

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.

The number of former prison offers coming forward with new allegations regarding the prison is growing (Image: File)

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.

Images captured as officials dealt with a major disturbance (described by many as a riot) at Parc Prison in June 2024 (Images: Herald)

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.

Crime

Haverfordwest resident denies assault on partner during birthday break

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A HAVERFORDWEST man has gone on trial accused of attacking his partner while on holiday in Pembrokeshire.

John Roberts, aged 51, of Barn Street, appeared at Swansea Crown Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.

The incident is alleged to have taken place on August 24 last year at a shepherd’s hut in Rosemarket, where the couple were staying to celebrate the complainant’s birthday.

Roberts is accused of grabbing his partner by the hair and banging her head against a wall, before damaging a fireplace inside the property. He denies both charges.

Opening the case, prosecutor Emily Bennett told the jury that Roberts and the complainant had been in a relationship for twelve years and were enjoying a holiday following a family barbecue.

She said that shortly after midnight, Roberts’ “mood changed,” and he allegedly launched the attack.

The jury heard that the complainant managed to escape, locked herself in the bathroom and called the police. When she later emerged, Roberts had left the property — taking one of their dogs and the keys with him — and she noticed the fireplace had been damaged.

Roberts was arrested later that day. In police interview, he denied assaulting the woman or causing any damage, claiming she had “started on him” after accusing him of being unfaithful.

The trial, before Judge Wayne Beard, continues.

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Crime

Fined for dropping cigarette at Milford Haven Tesco

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A LLANELLI man who dropped a cigarette outside Tesco in Milford Haven has been fined over £570 after failing to attend court.

Mark Evens, aged 42, of Llys Westfa, Llanelli, was found guilty in his absence at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Apr 3).

The court heard that on September 3, 2024, Evens discarded a cigarette butt in a public place to which section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 applied.

He was fined £220 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £88 and prosecution costs of £266.66. A collection order was made, and the full balance of £574.66 must be paid by May 1.

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Crime

Court adjourns marine enforcement case

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A SWANSEA man failed to appear in court after being accused of refusing to comply with a marine enforcement officer.

Ieuan Rhys Davies, aged 29, of Seaview Terrace, Penclawdd, is accused of failing to stop his vessel when directed by Marine Enforcement Officer Matthew Dawkins on June 6, 2024.

The case, brought under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, was adjourned until May 1 at 2:00pm.

Magistrates have ordered that Davies must attend the next hearing or risk a warrant being issued for his arrest.

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