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Crime

Two further prison deaths in Wales confirmed by Ombudsman

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One death is linked to HMP Parc, one post-release from HMP Cardiff

TWO more deaths connected to Welsh prisons have been confirmed by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), adding to what campaigners describe as a deepening crisis across the prison system in Wales.

The PPO has opened an investigation into the death of Kenneth Male, born 12 December 1957, who died on 22 November 2025 while serving his sentence at HMP/YOI Parc in Bridgend. The case appears in the Ombudsman’s official listings with the investigation currently marked as in progress.

Campaigners say his death is the 40th linked to Parc since 2022.

Mr Male’s death is considered to be a death off the premises as he died in hospital following a recall to the now notorious jail.

In a post shared widely on social media, campaign spokesman Zackery Lee Griffiths described the number of deaths as “the highest at any prison in England and Wales since 2022”, adding that bereaved families “could have been spared months or even years of grief if action had been taken earlier”.

A second new case has also been listed by the Ombudsman. Scott Price, born 12 February 1996, died on 13 November 2025, shortly after his release from HMP Cardiff. His death is categorised as post-release, with the PPO investigation also ongoing.

Both deaths will be subject to full independent investigations, which will examine the circumstances leading up to each case, the care provided, and any wider systemic issues.

Background: growing scrutiny of Welsh prison safety

The Herald has been reporting extensively on conditions at HMP Parc, including allegations of drug use, violence, failures in safeguarding, and patterns of deaths linked to synthetic drugs and medical emergencies.
Concerns have been raised repeatedly in the Senedd, with Welsh ministers and several MSs calling for urgent intervention and a full review of G4S’s running of the Bridgend facility.

The UK Government, which oversees justice and prisons in Wales, has so far resisted calls for removing the contract from G4S.

Campaigners say the latest death strengthens the case for major reform.

A HMP Parc spokesperson said: “Mr Kenneth Male passed away at an outside hospital on 22 November 2025.

“He was admitted directly to hospital following his recall to custody in October and did not spend any time within HMP Parc.”

“As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman. The cause of death will be for the coroner to determine.”

The PPO will now conduct two independent investigations, with reports expected to be published publicly once completed. The Herald will continue to follow developments.

 

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

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MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).

 

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Crime

Llangadog man fined after breaching restraining order twice

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Court hears defendant contacted protected person despite ban

A LLANGADOG man has been fined £1,375 after twice breaching a restraining order by contacting a protected person he had been banned from approaching.

Adam Thomas Davies, 34, of Llangadog, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jun 15) for proceedings linked to an existing community order.

The court heard Davies had breached a restraining order on two separate occasions in June last year by contacting a person he had been prohibited from approaching under an order imposed by Llanelli Magistrates’ Court in November 2019.

Magistrates were told the original community order, imposed in August 2025, had become unworkable due to long-term physical health issues alongside Davies’ employment.

The court revoked the existing order and resentenced him for the original offences.

Davies was made subject to a new community order running until June 14, 2027. He must comply with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and attend appointments or activities as directed by probation services, for up to 15 days.

As a punitive element of the order, magistrates imposed a fine of £1,375.

The court heard the breaches related to unlawful contact made in Carmarthenshire despite the restrictions remaining in force.

Davies was ordered to pay the fine at a rate of £120 per month, starting from July 13.

 

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Crime

Road safety grant fund launched for community projects

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COMMUNITY groups, charities and local organisations across the Dyfed-Powys area are being invited to apply for funding for projects aimed at improving road safety.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn has launched a new Road Safety Community Grant Fund to support local initiatives designed to reduce risks on the roads, raise awareness and encourage safer behaviour among drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The fund will support preventative projects led by communities, including education and awareness programmes, behaviour-change campaigns, road safety events, training and skills development, and evidence-led pilot schemes.

Applications will be assessed on their potential to improve road safety, provide value for money and deliver clear community benefits.

Mr Llywelyn said: “Keeping our communities safe on our roads is a fundamental part of our wider mission to protect the public and reduce harm.

“By investing in community-led initiatives, we are empowering local organisations to deliver practical, innovative solutions that improve road safety, change behaviours, and ultimately save lives.”

The fund forms part of the commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029, which includes commitments to preventing harm, supporting safer communities and working in partnership on issues affecting local people.

Further details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are available on the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.

The fund closes at 10:00pm on Sunday, July 19.

 

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