News

Another inmate death at Parc Prison: The latest tragedy in an ongoing crisis?

Published

7 months ago

June 28, 2024

PARC Prison in Bridgend, Wales, has been struck by yet another sad event, marking the latest in a series of inmate deaths that have plagued the institution this year. This most recent death, which occurred on 5 June 2024, involves Pembrokeshire inmate Robert Royan, who was 71-years-old. Royan’s death is the eleventh this year, and has worried families and friends of those in the prison, who are assuming that the death was probably avoidable.

It remains to be seen if the death is linked to natural causes or drug use, however this newspaper understands that Royan died in hospital following admission, and not at the prison itself. The prison said he had been in hospital since April.

***ROBERT ROYAN, IN JAIL FOR ARSON, DIED ON JUNE 5, AGED 71***

From Pembroke Dock, Royan was a known drug user. Had a criminal record for amphetamines, which The Herald reported on in 2017. He was jailed in 2018 for his fourth arson offence – setting fire to a flat. Although he had previously confessed to setting hundreds of fires over the years – many of them were in the Tenby area.

The prison, run by private security firm G4S, has been under intense scrutiny following a spate of deaths linked to drug misuse, particularly synthetic opioids like Spice and Nitazene. The situation inside the prison appears to remain critical, with another protest scheduled outside the prison on July 29.

***VAN LOADS OF SPECIALIST OFFICERS ARRIVING AT PARC ON MAY 31***

In recent weeks, the prison has also experienced significant unrest. Just last month, on 31 May 2024, a riot involving around twenty inmates erupted, leading to several prisoners requiring hospital treatment. The unrest, centered on the B3 wing of the prison, saw emergency services, including riot vans and police, deployed to restore order.

G4S denies this was a riot, and calls what happened ‘two separate incidents’. G4S also said that anyone injured was the result of a fight, which was an altercation between three prisoners and not in the ‘separate’ incident, as they call it, involving 20 prisoners.

It clearly was – requiring the assistance of specialist officers from outside the prison to put it down, something we previously reported on.

The management of Parc Prison has come under fire, with calls for the UK government to intervene and take control from G4S. Heather Whitehead, the former director of the prison, stepped down earlier this month amid the ongoing crisis. Will Styles, who has a long tenure in the prison service, has been appointed as her replacement.

last months protest at parc prison, another one is scheduled for june 29 (Video: bbc WaleS)

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is currently investigating the deaths at Parc Prison, aiming to uncover the root causes and prevent further tragedies. Meanwhile, the families of deceased inmates continue to demand justice and better conditions for those still incarcerated, protesting outside the prison and calling for urgent reforms.

This report marks the first confirmation of the death of Robert Royan at Parc Prison, highlighting the urgent need for transparency and action to address the ongoing issues within the facility.

A HMP Parc spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald on Friday: “Mr Robert Royan passed away on Wednesday 05 June 2024. His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with his family and friends.

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

Regards the disturbance last month, the G4S said: “On Friday 31 May, two separate, short-lived incidents were resolved by onsite G4S staff.”

“All 20 prisoners involved were in their cells, locked up and compliant by the time the requested mutual aid arrived and were deployed to the unit.

“No prisoners or staff were injured in this incident

“The second incident was unrelated and involved an altercation between three prisoners, who required hospital treatment.”

As the investigation continues, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Parc, hoping for swift and effective measures to bring an end to these tragic events.

Health

New Chief Medical Officer for Wales appointed

Published

57 mins ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PROFESSOR Isabel Oliver has been named the new Chief Medical Officer for Wales, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Prof. Oliver joins the Welsh Government from her position as Director General of Science and Research and Chief Scientific Officer at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She will provide clinical leadership and offer independent professional advice to the Welsh Government on health and public health matters. Her role includes tackling health inequalities and leading efforts to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes across Wales.

Having started her career in acute hospital medicine in the West Midlands and South West England, Prof. Oliver transitioned to public health. She previously served as Director of the National Infection Service at Public Health England (PHE) and is co-director of the National Institute for Health Research’s Health Protection Research Unit on Behavioural Science and Evaluation at the University of Bristol. She is also an honorary professor at University College London.

Cabinet Secretary’s Welcome
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles, praised the appointment, saying:
“Professor Oliver brings a wealth of experience to Wales after working at a senior level in public health in the UK, and I look forward to working with her.
“I’m delighted she has joined us as we work to improve health and wellbeing, and I’d like to offer her a warm welcome to Wales.”

Excited for the Challenge
Prof. Oliver expressed her enthusiasm for the role, stating:
“It is an honour to be appointed as the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, and I am very excited to work with the dedicated health professionals and communities across Wales to create a healthier Wales and safeguard our NHS.

“Today, we face challenges from our ageing population, inequalities, and global factors such as climate change. For someone like me, with a great passion for health and wellbeing, Wales offers unique opportunities to secure major improvements in public health and health services, thanks to innovative policies and effective collaboration between sectors. It will be my privilege to serve the people of Wales to secure healthy, resilient, and prosperous communities.”

Prof. Oliver, a keen runner like her predecessor, is set to participate in the Newport Marathon later this year. She succeeds Sir Dr. Frank Atherton, who steps down at the end of January.

Contact Details:
William Davies
0300 0258 788
[email protected]

Let me know if further tweaks are needed!

Crime

Three men jailed for £620,000 cannabis production at former Llandysul school

Published

1 hour ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THREE men have been sentenced for producing cannabis worth up to £620,000 at a former school building in Llandysul.

Njazi Gjana, 27, and Ervin Gjana, 24, were each sentenced to two years and six months in prison, while Armeld Troski, 29, received a three-year and four-month prison sentence.

The operation followed a warrant executed by Dyfed-Powys Police on Friday, November 15, 2024, after reports from the public about suspicious activity at the site. Upon entry, officers discovered a large-scale and sophisticated cannabis cultivation setup spanning three floors. The building had been heavily modified to accommodate the illegal operation.

***Llandysul school burned down after the cannabis grow was discovered (Pic: Herald)***

Arrests made after pursuit

During their search of the property, officers heard movement downstairs and arrested two individuals, Njazi and Armeld, on-site. A third man, later identified as Ervin Gjana, escaped by climbing over a wire fence and fleeing into nearby fields. However, police used a drone and conducted a physical search, eventually locating Gjana on a roadside. He was soaking wet and scratched from brambles when arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.

All three men were charged with producing a Class B drug and pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, December 20, 2024.

***The police took photos after the grow was discovered (Pic: DPP)***

Police praise public for vigilance

Detective Constable Ben Nicholls said: “I’d like to thank the Llandysul community for their vigilance and proactivity in reporting suspicious activity to police.

“The information we receive from members of the community helps us build the picture of illegal activity that allows us to execute warrants such as this to ensure our area remains hostile to those who deal drugs.

“Monday’s sentencing serves as a reminder of our dedication to removing and preventing harmful substances damaging our communities, and we thank the public for the crucial role they play in this work.”

Signs of cannabis cultivation

Police encourage the public to report any concerns or suspicions about cannabis cultivation. Indicators include:

A distinctive aroma coming from a property and noises from ventilation fans.
Blacked-out windows to avoid detection.
People and vehicles arriving at odd hours.
Bright lights on continuously in seemingly vacant properties.
Excessive condensation on windows.
Unusual wiring or bypassed electricity meters.
‘Garden’ rubbish, such as plant pots, fertiliser, and chemicals.

Any information, no matter how small, could assist in tackling drug-related crime. Reports can be made via:

🖥️ | Online contact
📧 | [email protected]
💬 | Social media direct messages
📞 | Non-emergency: 101

For the deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired: text 07811 311 908.

For updates on local policing, appeals, and events, follow Lampeter, Aberaeron, and Llandysul Police on Facebook.

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

1 hour ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.