Crime
Violence at HMP Parc has doubled in five years new data shows
Dozens of Pembrokeshire inmates among those affected as assaults surge behind bars
VIOLENCE inside HMP Parc has more than doubled in the past five years, with a sharp rise in both prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and attacks on staff, according to figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests.
Many inmates from Pembrokeshire are currently housed at the privately-run Bridgend prison, which serves as the main Category B facility for much of South and West Wales.
The new data, released by Legal Expert, reveals that assaults between prisoners have soared from 255 in 2019 to 522 in 2024/25. Over the same period, staff assaults have almost doubled from 99 in 2022/23 to 199 in 2024/25.
Experts say the violence is being fuelled by chronic overcrowding, staff shortages, and worsening mental health among inmates. Government research published in June confirmed a strong link between overcrowding and violence, showing that prisoners in overpopulated jails are nearly 20% more likely to be involved in assaults.

In response, the Ministry of Justice has pledged £40 million in new security measures as part of its “Plan for Change”, including the creation of 14,000 additional prison places by 2031.
Patrick Mallon, a solicitor at JF Law, said: “The consistent rise in assaults across UK prisons highlights a system stretched to breaking point. With record inmate numbers and many facilities operating beyond capacity, the environment has become increasingly volatile.
“The government must ensure that investment isn’t limited to infrastructure but also focuses on addressing staff shortages and improving inmate welfare. Without that, violence will continue to escalate.”
HMP Parc currently holds around 1,800 inmates. Nationally, the prison population has more than doubled in the past three decades—from 43,000 in 1994 to over 88,000 in 2024—while staffing levels have remained largely unchanged.
Across England and Wales last year, there were 10,568 assaults on prison staff and 20,570 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults—rises of 7% and 9% respectively.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This government inherited a prison system in crisis, overcrowded and rife with violence. We are fixing this by delivering the fastest prison-building programme in over a century.”
Patrick Mallon added: “The Prison Service has a legal duty of care to protect individuals in its custody. Where it has failed to do so—such as by not segregating a vulnerable inmate—that individual may be entitled to seek compensation.
“Prison officers also have a right to a safe workplace, with proper training and resources. These claims are not just about compensation, but about holding authorities to account and demanding systemic change.”
HMP Parc has been the subject of multiple high-profile incidents in recent years, including drug-related deaths and concerns about gang control. Several offenders from Pembrokeshire have served or are currently serving their sentences there.
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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