Crime

Parc prison expansion must be halted over safety fears, MPs warn

Published

2 months ago

March 30, 2026

Seventeen deaths, drugs crisis and violence still unresolved at Bridgend jail

PLANS to expand HMP Parc must be put on hold immediately, MPs have warned, amid ongoing concerns about deaths, drugs, violence and the safety of inmates and staff.

A new report from the Welsh Affairs Committee says the proposed expansion of the Bridgend prison would be a dangerous distraction, risking progress made after a series of serious failings.

The intervention follows mounting scrutiny of the prison, where seventeen men died in 2024, prompting widespread concern over conditions inside the facility.

Serious concerns remain

Despite some signs of improvement, MPs say HMP Parc continues to face deep-rooted problems, including high levels of violence, self-harm and drug misuse.

Inspectors previously found prisoners were spending up to 21 hours a day locked in their cells, while mental health and substance misuse services were described as under-resourced.

Although recent inspections noted some progress—particularly in disrupting drug supply—MPs concluded that insufficient improvement has been made in key areas, including prisoner safety and rehabilitation.

Expansion plans under fire

The Ministry of Justice wants to add 345 extra inmates and around 160 staff to the prison as part of a wider UK strategy to increase capacity.

But the committee said HMP Parc is not currently suitable for expansion, warning it could undermine fragile improvements and place further strain on an already pressured system.

MPs acknowledged the need for more prison places but stressed that Parc should not be expanded until safety issues are fully addressed.

Drugs and overcrowding highlighted

The report raises ongoing concerns about the availability of drugs inside the prison, describing the problem as “alarming”.

Recent figures show around 40% of inmates are held in crowded conditions, while drug use remains widespread despite efforts to clamp down on supply.

Campaigners say too many vulnerable prisoners are being held in poor conditions, increasing the risk of violence, despair and self-harm.

Herald investigation focus

The findings echo concerns previously raised by this newspaper following a series of deaths at the prison.

The Herald has reported extensively on the growing crisis at Parc, including the impact of powerful synthetic drugs, the use of drones to smuggle contraband, and ongoing concerns about prisoner safety and welfare.

MPs’ conclusions now reinforce those concerns, warning that while progress has been made, serious risks remain inside the prison.

Calls for urgent rethink

The committee has now formally called on the UK Government to pause the expansion plans and reconsider whether they can be delivered safely.

Responding to the report, the Ministry of Justice said it was taking “decisive action” to address pressures in the prison system, including plans to create 14,000 additional prison places across England and Wales.

HMP Parc said recent inspection findings showed progress in tackling drug supply, which it said was helping to reduce violence and self-harm.

Background

HMP Parc is a category B prison in Bridgend, operated by G4S, and houses around 1,700 to 1,800 inmates.

It has been under intense scrutiny since 2024 following a series of deaths linked to drugs, suicide and natural causes, alongside ongoing concerns about safety and conditions.

Crime

Cocaine deaths spark regional summit across West Wales

Published

7 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Health, police and support services unite after rising concerns in Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire

COCAINE has been identified in a significant number of drug-related deaths across Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire over the past year.

Frontline teams have also reported rising incidents of violence, aggression and criminal justice involvement among people accessing drug and alcohol support services.

Dyfed-Powys Police data shows cocaine is now the force’s second most seized drug, and remains widely used across a range of settings.

In response, the Dyfed Area Planning Board brought together representatives from health, policing, commissioned services, social services and community organisations for a regional summit aimed at understanding the scale of the problem and agreeing joint action.

Hywel Dda’s Community Drug and Alcohol Team opened the event with an overview of emerging substance use trends. Dyfed-Powys Police then shared enforcement intelligence, while Public Health Wales provided a national perspective on stimulant use.

Clinical specialists also outlined the impact of cocaine use on maternity services, blood-borne virus transmission, exercise culture and the night-time economy.

The summit concluded with harm reduction training and group discussions focused on strengthening prevention, treatment pathways and community support across West Wales.

Steve Reynolds, Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service manager, said: “DDAS are incredibly encouraged by the success of this cocaine summit. Cocaine-related harms are complex and evolving, and through collaboration and open dialogue we can respond effectively.

“The summit reinforced the importance of reducing stigma, expanding access to support, and ensuring that people who use our services receive compassionate, person-centred care.

“We remain committed to working with partners in developing practical actions that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Detective Superintendent Gareth Roberts, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “It was a pleasure to host this valuable event at Dyfed-Powys Police.

“As a force, we are committed to working in partnership to improve the health, wellbeing, and safety of our communities as we work hard to reduce the risk of drug-related harm.”

Craig Jones, Hywel Dda Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, said: “This summit marks the beginning of a coordinated regional effort to reduce harm, improve outcomes and strengthen support for individuals, families and communities affected by cocaine use.

“Partners will now work together to address availability, risk reduction and access to support.”

Anyone experiencing problems with substance use, or anyone seeking more information about the Community Drug and Alcohol Team, can visit hduhb.nhs.wales/drug-and-alcohol.

Crime

Farm owner in court after 26 dogs removed over welfare concerns

Published

8 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Council awarded control of animals after magistrates hear claims of unlicensed breeding

A PEMBROKESHIRE farm owner has appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court after 26 dogs were removed from her care under animal welfare legislation.

Rachel Roberts, of Penlan Oleu, Puncheston, appeared in court on Friday (May 1) in relation to an application brought under Section 20 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 following action by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The court heard that 26 dogs had been taken into possession, including spaniels, dachshunds, poodles, chihuahuas and six puppies.

It was alleged in court that Roberts had been breeding and selling dogs without the appropriate licence, and that some animals had not received the correct vaccinations.

Magistrates granted the application, allowing Pembrokeshire County Council to take control of the dogs and make decisions about their future, including rehoming.

Roberts was also ordered to pay £99,463.35 in costs to the council.

RSPCA investigation

An RSPCA investigation was reportedly opened last year after images emerged of horses said to be in poor condition.

The Herald has also been contacted by a concerned member of the public, who provided videos and photographs which they claim show a dead horse concealed beneath wooden pallets.

The source further alleged that a person staying at the property had witnessed a horse being dragged by its neck using a tractor.

These claims have not been independently verified by The Herald.

Wider allegations

The Herald has also been told that other members of the family may have been involved in the sale of dogs from the property, with allegations that animals were later sold outside Pembrokeshire.

The paper understands that Roberts’ daughter, Eliza Roberts, has previously appeared before the courts in connection with dog-related offences.

Roberts, 36, was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from owning animals for seven years after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of a fighting dog and one count of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The charges followed an incident in Hanwell, near Banbury, on March 26, in which a schnoodle named Winnie was killed by two XL Bully dogs, Kobi and Kardi.

At the sentencing hearing, Roberts was ordered to pay £1,295 compensation, and a destruction order was made for the dogs.

Crime

Man remanded in custody over assault and criminal damage allegations

Published

11 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Goodwick defendant accused of assault and damaging property as magistrates refuse bail

A GOODWICK man has been remanded in custody after appearing before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court charged with assault and criminal damage.

Scott Hughes appeared before magistrates on Monday (May 18) following allegations relating to an incident in Goodwick.

The court heard Hughes is accused of assault by beating during an incident at an address in Stop and Call, Goodwick, on Saturday (May 16).

He also faces a charge of criminal damage after allegedly damaging property during the same incident.

Hughes did not enter pleas at Monday’s hearing.

Magistrates refused bail and remanded him in custody ahead of a further hearing.

The court was told bail was refused due to concerns Hughes was likely to cause injury or fear of injury to an associated person and because of concerns regarding possible interference with witnesses or obstruction of justice.

He is due to appear again before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (May 26).