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Crime

Leaked messages reveal shocking culture at HMP Parc amid misconduct probe

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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

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

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A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

 

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Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

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A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

 

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Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

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A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.

 

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