News

Doubts over effectiveness of post-prison services in Wales

Published

3 years ago

November 24, 2022

CONCERNS have been expressed at the Labour Government’s services for released female prisoners as startling statistics have come to light.

The Senedd’s Equality and Social Justice Committee recently visited HMP Eastwood Park in Gloucestershire where 148 of the 340 prisoners are from Wales.

On the visit, MSs were told that when released from the prison, nine out of ten Welsh inmates go on to reoffend, compared to one-in-ten of those from England.

This has cast doubt on the effectiveness and quality of services for ex-prisoners when they return to Wales, with consequences for their reintegration into society, the cost to the jails, and confidence in those services.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Equalities Minister Altaf Hussain MS – a committee member who visited the prison – said: “The gulf between English and Welsh female prisoners from Eastwood Park reoffending is startling and makes you wonder if Wales is anywhere near up to scratch in delivering effective services.

“Whilst this is just the experience from one prison, it is significant because it will house a substantial number of Welsh female prisoners, each one of which that returns to Wales needs to be helped by the Labour Government to reintegrate into society.

“This is not just about those individuals who need a new start with help in housing and employment – it is also about spending taxpayer money effectively, which seems to happening in England but not Wales.

“I will be asking Labour ministers to report back on these findings to explain why it is the case and what can be done to turn the tide, so that offenders have confidence in their chances of reintegration and taxpayers know their money is being well spent in delivering that.”

While prisons themselves are the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice, services in Wales that serve ex-offenders are run by the Labour Government in Cardiff Bay and local authorities.

Such services would include those relating to housing and homelessness, addiction recovery, employment schemes, and health (both physical and mental).

HMP Eastwood Park prisoners have the opportunity to leave the prison for short periods of time (known as release on temporary licence), and can be used to gain work experience in the local community, maintain family ties, and prepare for release.

There are no women’s prisons in Wales, which is why there is a high number of Welsh prisoners at HMP Eastwood Park.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

6 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.