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Crime

Two more deaths linked to Parc Prison under investigation

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Ombudsman confirms separate fatalities as scrutiny intensifies over G4S-run jail

TWO MORE deaths connected to HMP Parc are now under investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), bringing renewed focus on conditions inside the privately-run Bridgend prison.

The latest cases concern Eric McShane, born 13 February 1997, who died on 11 September 2025, and Peter Kaminsky, born 2 February 1968, who died on 4 October 2025.

Both men died in the community — McShane nine days after his release from custody, and Kaminsky while on compassionate release to receive end-of-life care at home. Both deaths are being investigated by the Ombudsman as part of its remit to review fatalities occurring within 14 days of release.

Background

Official figures show there were 25 deaths at HMP Parc between January 2023 and December 2024, including 17 deaths in 2024 alone — the highest number recorded in any prison in England or Wales.

The Ombudsman’s most recent annual report also revealed that five prisoners died in early 2025, all linked to substance use. Many of those cases remain under investigation.

Campaigners, including the charity INQUEST, have repeatedly raised concerns about drug availability, inadequate supervision and chronic staff shortages within Parc, which is operated by G4S under contract to the Ministry of Justice.

Families of several men who have died at the facility allege management failed to protect vulnerable inmates from the spread of synthetic drugs such as Spice and other illicit substances.

Campaigner raises alarm

Stabbed on release: Zack Griffiths

The latest deaths were highlighted by Zack Griffiths, lead campaigner for the UK Prisons for Justice group, who was himself released from custody only days ago.

Mr Griffiths is currently recovering after being stabbed shortly after his release, an incident that is now under investigation.

Before the attack, he had spoken publicly about the “continuing crisis” at Parc, calling for transparency over the number of post-release deaths and urging the UK Government to end private management of prisons.

Zack had been recalled to prison due to alleged criminality which later turned out to be unproven in court – his supporters say it was an attempt to silence him.

Calls for accountability

Welsh Members of the Senedd have urged the UK Government to review safety standards at the prison, which holds more than 1,700 men and young offenders. Dyfed-Powys Police has also investigated several previous incidents.

With the PPO now examining the deaths of McShane and Kaminsky, questions are again being asked about how many more lives must be lost before meaningful change is enforced at Parc.

The Herald understands both investigations remain active and that reports will be published once the Ombudsman’s findings are complete.

An HMP Parc spokesperson said: “A prisoner aged 57, died at home on 4 October 2025, while on compassionate release to receive end of life care. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time

“A former prisoner, aged 27, died in the community on 11 September 2025, nine days after his release from HMP Parc. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and friends. 

“All deaths in custody, and those that occur within 14 days of release, are investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death is ultimately for the coroner to determine.”

 

Crime

Disqualified HGV driver charged after dangerous A40 incident

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Lorry seen on wrong side of road before multi-force stop

A DISQUALIFIED driver has been charged after an HGV was reportedly driven erratically along the A40 between Narberth and St Clears in the early hours of Thursday (Jan 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that 22-year-old Tajinder Singh, of Tudor Road, Southall, has been charged with driving whilst disqualified and using a motor vehicle on a road without insurance.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court today (Friday, Jan 30).

The incident began when an off-duty police officer reported seeing the heavy goods vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the carriageway on multiple occasions, raising serious concerns for the safety of other road users.

Roads Policing Unit officers carried out immediate checks and traced the vehicle travelling eastbound along the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands.

Specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) tactics were authorised, with support requested from South Wales Police and the National Police Air Service due to the scale of the risk and the vehicle’s route.

The lorry was kept under constant observation as it continued along the A48 and onto the M4 before eventually stopping at an industrial estate in the Fforestfach area of Swansea.

Officers detained the driver at the scene. The vehicle was seized under Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said officers will continue to take action against dangerous driving.

Anyone with concerns about unsafe or reckless driving is urged to report it to police.

 

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Crime

Manhunt intensifies after woman seriously injured in Carmarthen park stabbing

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Police say suspect known to victim as attempted murder investigation continues

A MAJOR police manhunt is under way after a woman was seriously injured in a stabbing at Carmarthen Park on Thursday afternoon (Jan 29).

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the incident is being treated as attempted murder and officers are searching for a named male suspect who is known to the victim.

Emergency services were called to the popular town park shortly after 4:00pm, where the woman was found with stab wounds to her torso and hand. She was taken to hospital for treatment and is understood to be in a stable condition.

The attack happened in broad daylight in one of the town’s busiest public spaces, a park regularly used by families, joggers and visitors from across west Wales, including Pembrokeshire.

Officers say the assault was not random.

Detective Superintendent Anthony Evans, who is leading the investigation, said: “I wish to assure the local community that our officers are following all possible lines of enquiry to locate and arrest the suspect as quickly as possible.

“You will continue to see police in the areas around Picton Terrace, Carmarthen Park and other addresses as we investigate this appalling incident.

“Our enquiries so far have led us to understand that this was not a random attack, and that the suspect and victim were known to each other.”

Police activity remained visible on Friday (Jan 30), with cordons in place around parts of the park and nearby Picton Terrace. Specialist officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

Residents reported an increased police presence throughout the day.

One local told The Herald: “It’s frightening to think something like this can happen here in the middle of the afternoon. It’s usually such a safe place.”

Although Carmarthenshire generally records lower crime levels than larger Welsh cities, incidents involving knives continue to be a concern for police across the region. Dyfed-Powys Police has repeatedly urged the public to report concerns early to help prevent serious violence.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in Carmarthen Park around 4:00pm on Thursday or who may have seen someone acting suspiciously or leaving the area quickly.

Information can be provided by calling 101, emailing [email protected], or contacting Dyfed-Powys Police via social media. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Anyone affected by the incident can seek support through Victim Support Cymru or other local services.

The Herald will provide updates as the investigation develops.

 

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Crime

Two arrested after high-value shoplifting incident in Kilgetty

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TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting following a rapid police response to a reported high-value theft at a supermarket in Kilgetty.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to the Co-op store at around 3.35pm on Wednesday (Jan 28), after a report that a large quantity of alcohol and other items had been stolen.

Using information provided by the caller, Roads Policing Unit officers worked closely with control room staff to identify a vehicle believed to be involved. Several patrol cars were deployed, and the vehicle was located a short time later travelling east.

Police said the safety of all those involved was treated as a priority, with specialist Tactical Pursuit and Containment (TPAC) advice obtained while officers maintained constant observation of the vehicle.

The car was brought to a safe stop on a back road approaching Hendy, involving three Roads Policing Unit vehicles. No injuries or damage were reported.

Following roadside checks, two men — aged 67 and 46 — were arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop.

Both remain in police custody while enquiries continue.

Police said the swift response helped prevent further offending and demonstrated the effectiveness of specialist roads policing officers acting on real-time intelligence.

 

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