News

Crisis deepens at Parc Prison as six officers arrested

Published

1 year ago

March 28, 2025

Six officers at HMP Parc have been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office as police continue to investigate a series of serious allegations at the troubled Bridgend jail.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said the arrests followed “a series of incidents” at the privately run prison, which has faced growing scrutiny over violence, inmate deaths, and alleged corruption.

***Parc Prison, Bridgend (Pic: Herald)***

The latest arrests at the facility, which houses many offenders from Pembrokeshire, come as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into conduct at the Category B facility, operated by security firm G4S.

In a statement, police confirmed that during a second phase of arrests in January, the following individuals were detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office:

A 35-year-old man from Bridgend

A 40-year-old man from Swansea

A 38-year-old man from Barry

A 50-year-old man from Taibach

A 23-year-old woman from Cardiff

A 36-year-old man from Llanelli

Five have been bailed while enquiries continue, and one has been released under investigation.

The second wave of arrests follows an earlier operation in September 2024, when four Parc prison officers were arrested on suspicion of assault and misconduct in public office. Those arrests were linked to the discovery of social media messages allegedly shared between staff, reportedly referring to the excessive use of force and other serious misconduct.

***Prison officers prepare to enter a cell (File Image: HMP Wandsworth)***

Police have now confirmed that no charges were brought in that first phase, but the investigation remains live.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Taylor said officers are working closely with G4S as part of the inquiry.

A spokeswoman for the company said: “We are aware a decision has been made not to proceed further with a number of initial cases. It is not appropriate for us to comment on other cases which are ongoing, but we will continue to support police colleagues.”

Meanwhile, it has also emerged that police are probing a separate allegation that a group of officers at Parc assaulted an inmate, leaving him with serious injuries including possible broken ribs and heavy bruising. The incident was reported last Saturday and remains under investigation.

G4S has declined to comment directly on the alleged assault.

The prison has been engulfed in controversy over the past year, with a steady stream of reports highlighting issues with violence, drug use, staff shortages, and inmate deaths.

In the wake of last year’s riot at Parc, G4S replaced the prison’s director by mutual agreement. The role was taken over by Will Styles, formerly of G4S-run HMP Five Wells in Northamptonshire.

***Parc Prison’s management has been under fire following an ever growing list of incidents (Image: File)***

Earlier this week, The Herald reported that police are investigating an alleged sexual assault on a young inmate on X1 Wing, said to have involved coercion and scalding.

Zack Griffiths of the HMP Prisons Justice Group, speaking about that case, said: “A vulnerable young person was left exposed to a violent, dangerous offender, and the consequences have been devastating. This isn’t just an individual crime—it is a catastrophic failure of the prison system to safeguard those in its care.”

The Ministry of Justice’s anti-corruption unit is working alongside South Wales Police as part of the wider investigation into the jail.

HMP Parc is the largest prison in Wales and one of the few in the UK operated by a private firm. The growing number of allegations has sparked renewed calls for an independent inquiry into its management and oversight.

In addition to the ongoing police investigations, the prison has recorded multiple deaths over the past 12 months. At least eight inmates are reported to have died in that period. Some of those deaths are understood to be drug-related or suspected suicides, though not all have been officially confirmed.

Campaigners and whistleblowers have warned that conditions inside Parc have become dangerously unstable, with claims that vulnerable prisoners are frequently left without adequate supervision or support.

None of the officers arrested to date have been charged, and all remain innocent unless proven otherwise.

The Herald has contacted G4S and the Ministry of Justice for further comment.

News

Fatal crash appeal after driver dies on A44 near Aberystwyth

Published

42 minutes 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

4 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

4 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.