Crime
Five officers dismissed after Parc Prison text scandal
FIVE officers at Parc Prison in Bridgend have been sacked following a misconduct investigation into disturbing text messages shared between staff — action that follows sustained pressure from this newspaper, campaigners at UK Prisons For Justice, and others exposing conditions at the jail.
The case began last October when four officers were arrested after South Wales Police and the prison service launched an inquiry into social media messages that appeared to boast about using excessive force on inmates. Over the following months a further four officers were arrested.
Police have now confirmed that all eight officers were released without charge after advice from the Crown Prosecution Service. However, G4S – the private company that runs the jail – said disciplinary proceedings have led to five dismissals, two resignations, and one officer receiving a final written warning.
Some of the leaked messages, published earlier this year, showed prison staff making jokes about suicide and gloating about violence towards inmates. One officer claimed: “I punched [him] after he bit me… he threw his food tray in someone’s face so I dropped him.” Another message read: “Let’s push him to go tomorrow so we can drop him.”
The revelations drew fierce criticism from politicians. Ruth Jones MP, chair of the Welsh Affairs Select Committee, condemned what she called “derogatory, offensive and abusive” use of social media by staff.
South Wales Police said a specialist team had examined all of the communications and misconduct claims. Detective Chief Inspector Dean Taylor said the approach demonstrated the force’s “commitment to accountability and integrity,” adding that police and G4S were working together to ensure such behaviour would not be tolerated at Parc.

A troubled jail
Parc Prison is the nearest long-term jail to Pembrokeshire and holds many inmates from our county. The Pembrokeshire Herald has been following developments at the prison closely for almost two years, including the imprisonment and hoped-for release of prison campaigner Zack Griffiths. In June 2024 we were the only paper to report live as a riot broke out inside the prison, and we were first to reveal the arrests of officers as part of our ongoing investigations.
Earlier this year a damning inspection report found that standards at Parc had “declined significantly” since G4S secured a new 10-year contract. Inspectors highlighted an “alarming” flow of drugs, windows that could be opened from inside cells, and a record 17 inmate deaths in 2024, five of which were drug-related.

Responding to criticism, G4S said it had a “zero-tolerance approach” to staff behaviour that fell short of expected standards and that “considerable work” had been carried out to address concerns at the prison.
The company added: “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 at HMP Parc.”
Crime
70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach
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.
Crime
Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order
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.
Crime
Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site
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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