Crime

Custody officer injured in latest incident at Welsh jail

Published

9 months ago

September 11, 2025

The incident happened at Parc Prison where many offenders from Pembrokeshire are housed

POLICE are investigating an alleged stabbing incident at the privately-run Parc Prison in Bridgend after a custody officer was injured.

The disturbance took place shortly before midday on Wednesday (Sept 10), when an inmate is said to have used an improvised weapon to attack a member of staff. South Wales Police confirmed they are investigating after “a prison custody officer was assaulted”. The officer sustained minor injuries.

A source familiar with conditions inside the jail claimed the prisoner involved had been confined to his cell for several days on a so-called “red regime”, imposed when staff numbers fall short. However, G4S – the company responsible for running Parc – denied this, stating that there had been no “prolonged” red regime and insisting the incident was not linked to staff shortages.

The same source also alleged that the prisoner threatened both fellow inmates and staff during the attack. G4S said: “A prison custody officer was injured following an incident on September 10. No-one else was injured and the incident was not related to the regime.”

It is the second stabbing reported at Parc in recent weeks. On July 26, one inmate was allegedly stabbed by another using a weapon made from a tin can. The injured prisoner’s mother claimed her son had been attacked in his cell by another inmate who was under the influence of the synthetic cannabinoid spice. On that occasion G4S confirmed an inmate was taken to hospital “for treatment on a minor injury”.

Concerns about safety and conditions at Parc are not new. A critical inspection report earlier this year found that easy access to drugs inside the jail had fuelled “a spate of tragic deaths”. Inspectors said standards had “declined significantly” since G4S was awarded a new 10-year contract in 2022, highlighting weaknesses such as cell windows that could be easily opened to receive drug drops from drones.

In 2023, Parc recorded 17 inmate deaths – the highest number of any prison in the UK. Five were drug-related, three self-inflicted, eight attributed to natural causes, and one of unknown cause.

Responding to the inspection, G4S said: “The first six months of 2024 were extremely difficult and our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of the men that passed away. Since then considerable work has been carried out to make significant improvements at the prison.

“We are encouraged that the report recognises that we are making solid progress and noted positive developments in tackling violence, self-harm rates, and use of force. We are determined to ensure the men in our care are safe, supported, and can feel optimistic about their futures and we are working tirelessly on a comprehensive improvement plan.”

Crime

Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.

Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.

The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.

Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.

Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.

Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.

They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.

Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.

A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.

At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.

Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.

Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.

“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”

After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”

Photo caption: Drugs seized:

Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

8 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store

Published

8 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.