Crime

Leaked messages reveal shocking culture at HMP Parc amid misconduct probe

Published

9 months ago

April 1, 2025

The facility houses many prisoners from Pembrokeshire, and is the largest jail in Wales

A SERIES of leaked messages obtained by The Herald have revealed a toxic culture among some staff at HMP Parc, with officers joking about violence, mocking self-harm, and admitting to skipping duties — as multiple investigations into serious misconduct continue at the privately-run Bridgend prison.

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

The leaked text and social media messages, exchanged between officers and ex-colleagues, include disturbing references to physical assaults on inmates, deliberate provocation of prisoners, and a callous disregard for vulnerable individuals.

In one message, an officer boasts: “I punched f*** into him after he bit me… he threw his food tray in Leah’s face so I dropped him.”

Other exchanges appear to show staff encouraging each other to push inmates into confrontation. One officer writes: “Let’s push him to go tomorrow so we can drop him,” followed by: “Big time, f*** him off.”

In another, officers make light of suicide risks. One message reads: “He’ll tie a bag around his neck,” with a response: “Too much paperwork.” Another adds: “Don’t have to do paperwork if you pretend not to see it.”

The language throughout is crude, dehumanising, and laced with jokes about violence. In one thread, staff describe an inmate with serious mental health issues as “crackhead Jesus,” and another talks about a prisoner who had slit his wrists, calling him a “daft c***” and suggesting he should be “in a lonnie bin.”

The leaks come as it is confirmed that a total of ten officers at HMP Parc have now been arrested since September 2024 as part of a major police swoop on the prison.

In a statement to The Herald, South Wales Police confirmed:

“South Wales Police arrested four people on Friday September 20, 2024, on suspicion of assault and misconduct in public office following reports of a series of incidents at HMP Parc.
All four have been released without charge following their arrests in September.”

“An additional arrest phase took place in January 2025.
Those arrested during the second phase are 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; and a 23-year-old woman from Cardiff — all of whom have been bailed for further enquiries until the end of April 2025.
A 36-year-old man from Llanelli has been released under investigation.”

***Prison officers prepare to enter a cell during a training exercise. (File image)***

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Taylor said: “The investigation remains ongoing, and officers are continuing to work closely with G4S.”

G4S, which runs HMP Parc, issued the following statement: “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.”

This week, The Herald also revealed police are separately investigating the alleged sexual assault of a young inmate on X1 Wing, who was reportedly coerced and scalded. Advocacy groups have described the incident as a “catastrophic failure” of the prison’s safeguarding procedures.

HMP Parc has also recorded at least eight inmate deaths in the past 12 months, with several suspected to be linked to drugs or suicide. Campaigners say the leaked messages now confirm the culture of neglect and violence that whistleblowers have warned about for years.

“This is more than misconduct — it’s cruelty, covered up and normalised,” said a campaigner for prisoner rights. “The public deserves answers, and the victims deserve justice.”

The Ministry of Justice’s anti-corruption unit is supporting the ongoing police investigation.

Parc, the largest prison in Wales, is one of the few in the UK operated by a private firm. It has faced growing calls for an independent inquiry into its operation, following riots, staffing failures, and the replacement of its director last year.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

37 minutes ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi

Live Fear Free Helpline

24/7 support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence.

0808 80 10 800 | Text 07860 077333

[email protected]

Crime

Rugby player’s life changed forever by knife attack — attacker jailed for 22½ years

Published

2 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Seren Baker

A YOUNG rugby player was left fighting for his life after being stabbed repeatedly outside a Gorseinon social club — and on Friday (Dec 19) the man responsible was jailed at Swansea Crown Court.

Morgan Hopkins, aged 18 at the time of the attack, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday (June 22) outside The New Lodge Social Club on Alexandra Road.

Mr Hopkins, known to friends as “Hobby”, is a local rugby player with Morriston RFC. He had been waiting for a lift home with his girlfriend when trouble broke out nearby.

The court heard that Mr Hopkins attempted to defuse a confrontation between another group of males and Kane Evans. As tensions rose, Evans approached Mr Hopkins armed with a knife.

In a final attempt to calm the situation, Mr Hopkins reportedly said: “No one needed to get hurt.”

***Morgan Hopkins,18, pictured here with his parents was left with life-changing injuries following the attack***

Moments later, Evans launched a ferocious and unprovoked attack.

Mr Hopkins was stabbed no fewer than ten times to the chest and abdomen. Surgeons later told police that one of the wounds was less than half an inch from being fatal.

He underwent extensive emergency surgery and was left with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, Mr Hopkins described the terror of the attack and the devastating impact it has had on his life.

He said his dream of playing professional rugby had been put on hold, adding that the loss of weekly matches had left him feeling lost and isolated. He told the court he no longer felt safe in his own home and struggled to go out, describing ongoing anxiety and depression.

Mr Hopkins also detailed the financial consequences of the attack, saying he had lost around £4,800 in wages and a further £800 from a cancelled holiday.

Police confirmed that Kane Evans, now aged 21, had gone out that night armed with a kitchen knife and may also have been carrying a second Stanley-type blade.

Officers said Evans was aggressive at the time of his arrest and was later charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article.

At Swansea Crown Court today, Evans was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison, with an extended licence period of five years to follow.

Passing sentence, the judge described the attack as random and extremely violent, warning that Evans posed a serious ongoing risk to the public.

Family members and supporters of Mr Hopkins were present in court as the sentence was handed down.

Since the attack, friends, teammates and members of the local community have rallied around Mr Hopkins, offering support as he continues his recovery from injuries that have permanently altered his life.

Crime

Police appeal after stolen Ford Fiesta crashes into lamppost

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Officers ask residents to check CCTV and dashcam footage

POLICE are appealing for information following the theft of a vehicle in Ystradowen on Thursday evening (Dec 18).

A silver Ford Fiesta, registration CV05 CVJ, was reported stolen from a property on Brynawel Terrace, Penygraig Road, at around 5.30pm.

The vehicle was later discovered on New Road, Cwmllynfell, where it had been involved in a collision with a lamppost.

Dyfed-Powys Police are asking anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who lives or travelled along the route between Brynawel Terrace and New Road, Cwmllynfell, to check their CCTV or dashcam footage in case the incident was captured.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, by calling 101, or by sending a direct message via social media.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Quote reference: 25*1032732.