Crime

Inquest reveals tragic consequences of inadequate medication in prison

Published

12 months ago

March 31, 2025

AN INQUEST at Pontypridd coroner’s court has shed new light on the fatal events that led to the death of 25‑year‑old Lewis Rhys Thomas Petryzyn at HMP Parc Prison on April 15, 2022. The court heard how the young inmate, who struggled with sleep due to a lack of proper medication, turned to the psychoactive substance known as spice, setting off a chain of events that ended in tragedy.

A struggle for relief

According to evidence given at the inquest, Mr Petryzyn had long battled sleep issues while in custody, a condition exacerbated by the unavailability of his necessary medication. Desperate for relief, he succumbed to the temptation of spice, a drug reportedly circulating in the prison and widely known among inmates. His cellmate, Adam Mathias, described how on the day of his death, the two shared the substance—a decision that would prove fatal.

Witness accounts paint a grim picture

Cellmate Mr Mathias, who characterized himself as Petryzyn’s “pad mate,” recounted the events of that fateful day. He noted that after smoking, Mr Petryzyn’s initially appeared to be in good spirits, even laughing off concerns about the substance. However, shortly after, he began to show signs of distress. “I was on the phone when I noticed he wasn’t moving. I helped him to his bed, but within minutes, I realized something was terribly wrong,” Mr Mathias recalled. Despite the rapid response from prison staff and paramedics, who administered life-saving treatment around 2:30pm, Mr Petryzyn was pronounced dead at 4:03pm.

Mathias also revealed that there had been recent warnings about a “bad batch” of spice circulating on the wing—a fact that underscores the dangerous environment within the facility. “It’s hard being locked up all day when you’re constantly being tempted by the presence of these drugs. Even though I was trying to keep him away from it, he told me he’d slipped up again,” he explained.

A life remembered

Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Mr Petryzyn was remembered by family and friends as a caring and vibrant individual. His mother, Karen Thomas, described him as “very caring” and a “mammy’s boy” with a magnetic personality. A former pupil of Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, he was celebrated for his generosity and willingness to help others. His love for travel was well known—having journeyed to destinations such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, and Ibiza—and he had even spent a season working in Majorca.

A passionate football supporter, Mr Petryzyn was a season ticket holder for Swansea City and a devoted fan of Liverpool. His ambitions extended beyond his time in prison; he had plans to pursue a career as a barber and dreamed of visiting Iceland with his family upon release.

A system under scrutiny

The inquest, held before a jury set to continue until April 11, has raised broader questions about the availability of essential healthcare within prisons. Critics argue that the lack of proper medication can push vulnerable inmates toward dangerous alternatives, creating a perilous cycle that puts lives at risk. Mr Petryzyn’s case is now being examined as a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic healthcare failings in correctional facilities.

As the investigation continues, family members and advocates alike are calling for urgent reforms to ensure that no one is forced into making desperate decisions due to inadequate medical support. In the wake of this tragic loss, many in the community are left mourning the life of a young man whose potential was cut tragically short.

Looking ahead

The ongoing inquest aims to uncover further details and hold those responsible for prisoner welfare accountable. For the loved ones of Lewis Rhys Thomas Petryzyn, the hope is that his story will lead to meaningful changes in the prison system, preventing future tragedies born out of neglect and the unregulated circulation of harmful substances.

Crime

Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.

From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.

The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.

To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.

“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.

“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”

The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.

Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.

As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.

Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.

The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.

“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.

“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.

Crime

Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe

Published

4 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.

At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.

The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.

The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.

In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.

Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.

Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.

While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.

The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.

“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”

He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”

Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.