News

HMP Parc under intense scrutiny over deaths, escalating violence and drug abuse

Published

3 months ago

August 30, 2024

HMP Parc, one of the UK’s largest category B prisons, has found itself at the centre of a growing scandal as it struggles to contain an escalating crisis marked by rampant violence, drug abuse, and a disturbing number of inmate deaths. The prison, managed by the private security firm G4S, has come under intense scrutiny as the situation within its walls continues to deteriorate, leading to widespread concern among authorities, families, and the public.

In recent months, HMP Parc has been the site of several brutal assaults that have raised alarm about the safety and security within the prison. In one particularly harrowing incident, a 42-year-old inmate was severely beaten in his cell, leaving him with disfiguring injuries that his family described as making him look “like the Elephant Man.”

The recent assault, involved three other inmates who reportedly attacked the man using a tuna tin wrapped in a sock and pool cues. The victim sustained serious injuries, including a lip that required extensive stitching, and a shoeprint bruise across his face.

According to the inmate’s family, the attack was motivated by postcode rivalries and the victim’s “reputation” within the prison. The family alleged that the attackers, younger inmates from Cardiff, targeted the victim, who is from Aberdare, to make an example of him. The man, who was due for release in two weeks, had been trying to keep a low profile to avoid conflict, but his efforts were tragically unsuccessful.

G4S, while acknowledging the incident, disputed the severity of the family’s claims. A spokesperson stated that the inmate’s injuries were minor and that no weapons were involved. The inmate was treated at A&E and returned to his cell within hours. However, this response has done little to allay concerns about the level of violence that has become commonplace at HMP Parc.

The violence at HMP Parc is only one aspect of the broader crisis engulfing the prison. Since February 2024, ten inmates have died under circumstances that have yet to be fully explained, although many of the deaths are suspected to be drug-related. This spate of deaths has prompted multiple investigations and has drawn national attention to the conditions within the prison.

The use of synthetic opioids, particularly “spice” laced with fentanyl, is believed to be a significant factor in the fatalities. These drugs, which mimic the effects of cannabis but are far more dangerous, have been smuggled into the prison and have contributed to overdoses among inmates. The presence of these substances has created a perilous environment, exacerbating tensions and leading to a series of near-fatal incidents.

The alarming number of deaths led to the replacement of HMP Parc’s director, Heather Whitehead, in June 2024. Whitehead had only been in her role since August 2023, but the mounting pressure from the ongoing crisis necessitated a change in leadership. Will Styles, a seasoned veteran of the prison service, was appointed as the new director to address the myriad challenges facing the institution.

The situation at HMP Parc took another dark turn with the arrest and subsequent conviction of Jodie Beer, a 30-year-old prison officer, for smuggling drugs into the prison. Beer, who was caught in February 2022, had been offered £5,000 by an inmate to bring contraband into the facility. The smuggled items included Class A drugs such as cocaine, as well as cannabis, buprenorphine, mobile phones, and SIM cards, all concealed in orange juice cartons.

Beer was arrested in the prison car park after officers searched her vehicle and discovered the contraband. During her trial in June 2024, Beer pleaded guilty to several charges, including possession with intent to supply drugs and misconduct in public office. Her defence cited mental instability and drug addiction as factors contributing to her criminal actions. She was jailed for six years.

Sarah Ingram from the Crown Prosecution Service told The Herald: “What Beer did in arranging to take large amounts of controlled drugs into the prison where she worked was a gross breach of trust. The drugs had been prepped to take into the prison and were clearly for onward supply. As a prison officer she was in a position of responsibility and her behaviour fell far below the standards that are expected.”

The arrest of Beer has highlighted the broader issues of corruption and misconduct within HMP Parc, further complicating efforts to restore order and safety in the facility. The Regional Organised Crime Unit for South Wales, which handled the investigation, has emphasised that the actions of individuals like Beer should not overshadow the dedication and integrity of the majority of prison staff who adhere to the highest standards of conduct.

Rioting broke out at Parc prison in South Wales last week, just days after it was announced that a tenth prisoner had died at the jail in a three-month period.

G4S, the company which runs the troubled jail, said that around 20 prisoners had been involved in a disturbance on Friday, May 31. We reported at the time that a ‘Tornado Team’ – the Prison Service riot squad – was sent in to quell the disorder, and that prisoners had been hurt but their injuries were not life-threatening. An air ambulance reportedly attended before being stood down.

A second, separate incident on the same day was said by G4S to be unrelated, involving “an altercation between three prisoners who required hospital treatment”. No staff were injured in either incident. Prisoners’ families and inside sources had described the unrest as a riot.

On May 29, G4S announced that the tenth prisoner to die at Parc since February was 38-year-old Warren Manners. South Wales Police said his sudden death was not considered to be suspicious.

Bereaved family members protested outside the prison. Among them was Frances Jones, whose nephew Mikey, 19, took his own life at Parc in May after struggling with addiction and having been recently recalled. She said: “Where were prison guards? He was on suicide watch. Why was he was allowed to die? Mikey came in to do his time after doing his crime, and came out in a black bag. That is wrong. He’s been let down, and so have the others who have passed here.”

She and the other protestors called for G4S to be stripped of its contract to run the prison. She said: “We want G4S out. We want the Government to come in and take back control. At least we’ll know that people will have the protection they deserve.” South Wales Police has confirmed that four of the initial six deaths at Parc involved Nitazenes, synthetic opioids up to 500 times more potent than heroin.

Former prison governor Ian Acheson posted on social media that the situation at Parc was a “story of failings”. Pointing out that a 2022 report by HM Inspectorate of Prisons had flagged up concerns about increasing availability of drugs, he said: “The Government have ultimate responsibility, so should insist G4S beef up their operation with experienced staff under the threat of losing the contract without compensation”.

Questioned about the situation at Parc in the House of Commons in May, Prisons Minister Edward Argar acknowledged there were challenges around security and recruiting experienced staff but rejected calls for the Government to take over from G4S, saying the prison is “well-run”.

In response to the families’ protest but prior to the latest fatality and the riot, a G4S spokesperson said: “We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who died recently at Parc. Safety of staff and prisoners is our priority.

“All mental health support is based on an assessment and operates in the same way as in the community. In line with national policy, prisoners at risk of self-harm or suicide are managed by a multi-disciplinary team and have a tailored support plan.”

The ongoing crisis at HMP Parc has prompted widespread calls for reform, with many questioning the effectiveness of the private management of such a critical public institution. The series of deaths, coupled with the rising violence and incidents of corruption, have raised serious concerns about the prison’s ability to maintain order and ensure the safety of its inmates.

Families of the victims and the wider public are demanding accountability and a thorough investigation into the conditions at HMP Parc. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman has launched multiple inquiries into the recent deaths, and there are growing calls for more stringent oversight and possibly even a government takeover of the prison’s management.

HMP Parc is currently facing one of the most challenging periods in its history, with issues ranging from brutal inmate violence and drug abuse to corruption among its staff and a disturbing number of unexplained deaths. The replacement of the prison’s leadership, the arrest of a corrupt officer, and ongoing investigations are steps towards addressing these problems, but the road to restoring safety and stability at HMP Parc is likely to be long and difficult.

Business

Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment

Published

10 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST will celebrate the opening of Wales’ largest Specsavers store on Monday 16 December 2024, following a transformative £1.2 million relocation to larger premises in the Riverside Shopping Centre.

The new state-of-the-art store, located at 21 Riverside Quay, promises cutting-edge facilities and enhanced services to meet growing community needs.

It will boast 14 test rooms, including two dedicated audiology suites, making it not only the largest Specsavers store in Wales, but one of the largest in the UK. Equipped with the latest technology, the premises will offer enhanced eye care, contact lens, and audiology services, easing the burden on local NHS services.

The store will also play a key role in education, supporting optometrists undertaking higher qualifications, such as Glaucoma and Independent Prescribing certificates, by providing hands-on opportunities to gain essential clinical experience.

‘This substantial investment reflects our commitment to delivering world-class eye and hearing care to Pembrokeshire,’ says Andy Britton, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Haverfordwest. ‘Our larger premises will allow us to meet growing demand, introduce advanced clinical services, and provide a dedicated training facility for optometrists pursuing higher qualifications.’

A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Specsavers, revealed that 68% of Welsh adults wouldn’t think to visit an optician first for eye-related problems, and half (50%) would first contact another NHS service (GP, pharmacy, eye hospital, NHS 111 or A&E) if they woke up with eye issues, rather than their local opticians.

**New Specsavers store under constructions (Image: Specsavers)**

The survey also revealed that, of the 68% who would not visit an optician first if they woke up with an eye problem, more than a third (35%) didn’t know they could use an optician for these issues, while a quarter (25%) were concerned they’d have to pay for treatment.

Mr Britton explains: ‘We encourage anyone experiencing acute or chronic eye problems – such as sudden loss of vision, red or painful eyes, flashing lights, floaters, or headaches – to make their optometrist their first point of contact. Optometrists are equipped to manage a wide range of urgent eye issues, allowing patients to receive prompt care and avoid unnecessary trips to A&E or long waits for a GP appointment.

‘By offering quick access to eye health services, we can reduce the burden on the NHS in Wales and ensure people receive the help they need before their condition worsens.’

***Andy Britton and Wayne Jones inspect progress of construction (Image: Specsavers)***

The grand reopening event on 16 December will feature live entertainment from the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir and notable attendees, including several local mayors and other dignitaries. The event will also celebrate Specsavers’ community-focused ethos, with a series of fundraising and awareness initiatives planned for 2025.

This new chapter follows the addition of Wayne Jones, retail director, to the Haverfordwest team earlier this year. With a remarkable career and commitment to innovation in optometry, Mr Jones brings invaluable leadership to the practice. His appointment, combined with the relocation, marks a transformative era for the store.

Deputy Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Paul Miller, praised the move: ‘Specsavers’ significant investment is a strong vote of confidence in the future of Haverfordwest. The new store is a key part of the town’s ongoing regeneration, drawing important footfall through the town centre.’

The new Specsavers Haverfordwest store will be open seven days a week, offering flexible appointment times to cater to the community’s needs. To book an appointment or learn more about the services available, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/haverfordwest.

News

Tribute paid to ‘kind and caring’ solicitor who died in crash

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE FAMILY of Emily Thornton-Sandy, a 30-year-old woman from Pontarddulais who tragically lost her life following a collision, have paid heartfelt tributes to a wife and daughter described as an “intelligent, kind, and caring soul.”

Emily passed away after her vehicle was involved in a collision on the A48 between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham on Tuesday (Nov 5) while she was driving home from a veterinary appointment. Her beloved dog, Scout, also died shortly after the crash.

Despite being rushed to the University Hospital of Wales, Emily’s condition worsened, and she died on Monday (Nov 11), with her husband by her side.

Emily’s husband shared his grief in a moving statement: “This still feels unreal, and none of us can take it in. Emily was kind, compassionate, and had so much more to give. She used her intelligence in her work as a solicitor, where she strove to help others affected by industrial disease. Emily loved literature and was passionate about her house plants.

“Her passing has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled. I wake up every morning in disbelief at the fact that I will never see her smile again. Emily deserved a long and happy life, and the thought of what happened to her that day brings the greatest pain to all those who love her.

“Scout was the most gentle, affectionate dog you could ever meet, and I have not been able to grieve for her death as I should. She brought great happiness to both me and Emily, and the world has lost so much joy.

“I wish to thank all emergency services staff and persons at the scene for all the help they provided to Emily and Scout, and to the staff at University Hospital of Wales for doing everything they could for Emily in the days following the collision.”

Emily’s parents also shared their heartbreak in a separate statement:
“The loss of Emily, our only child, is devastating. She meant the absolute world to us, and our lives have been changed forever. Not only have we lost our baby girl, but we mourn the loss of the grandchildren that we will never have.

“Emily has always been our pride and joy, and she achieved so much during her short life. She was an intelligent, kind, and caring soul who touched the lives of so many people, both in life and in death. She will never be forgotten.”

Emily’s death has left a lasting impact on all who knew her, and her family’s tributes reflect the deep love and admiration they held for her.

Her employer, Thompsons Solicitors, said that they were deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Emily, who they described as a talented and dedicated lawyer at the firm, who passed away in hospital just days after a road collision in Wales on 5 November 2024.

Emily was an asbestos lawyer representing clients from Thompsons’ Llanelli and Cardiff offices. She had trained and qualified with the firm and was recognised as an exceptional lawyer in a highly specialised field. She worked tirelessly alongside the asbestos victim support groups in Wales, including Asbestos Awareness and Support Cymru, as well as Mesothelioma UK.

Emily’s clients deeply appreciated her commitment. One recently praised her hard work and unwavering support, describing her dedication as “outstanding” and expressing heartfelt gratitude, signing off by calling Emily a “star.”

In an official statement, Clare Mellor, Chief Executive of Thompsons Solicitors, said:

“The tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Emily Thornton, deeply saddens everyone at Thompsons. Her passing has affected us all, and we are united in mourning a remarkable young lawyer who left an indelible mark on our firm and the people she helped.

“Emily was a brilliant and compassionate asbestos lawyer. She earned her law degree from Cardiff University, bringing her determination to make a difference to Thompsons initially as a support assistant in our Asbestos team while studying for her Legal Practice Course at Swansea University, then as a trainee solicitor with the firm in 2017, qualifying into our Welsh asbestos team in 2020.

“Emily’s natural empathy and dedication to those affected by asbestos-related illnesses, coupled with the fact she was a technically gifted and highly able lawyer, made her an invaluable part of our team. She combined immense sensitivity with an unyielding commitment to justice, embodying the qualities essential to support clients through challenging times.

“Her work gave hope to those facing devastating situations, and her impact is best reflected by what her clients thought of her and the comfort she provided.

“We will miss Emily terribly, and our thoughts and hearts are with her family, including her husband, Stuart and her parents, John and Rhael. Emily’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the justice she pursued.”

Community

Public meeting for Haverfordwest’s new transport interchange

Published

5 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

RESIDENTS of Haverfordwest are invited to attend a public engagement event at HaverHub on Thursday, 21st November from 3:00pm to 7:00pm to meet the team behind the upcoming Public Transport Interchange (PTI) development. The event will provide an opportunity for local people to learn more about the exciting project, which is due to start its rebuild phase imminently.

The PTI scheme forms part of the broader South West Wales Metro project, designed to create a modern, integrated transport hub for Haverfordwest. The new facility will bring significant improvements to local transport infrastructure, including enhancements to pedestrian and cycle access, as well as a more efficient and accessible bus station.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Place, the Region, and Climate Change, said: “This is another exciting step in the extensive regeneration of Haverfordwest, and we look forward to seeing construction start on this important project.”

The new development will include seven bus bays, upgraded passenger facilities, and a multi-storey car park with around 280 spaces. The car park will also feature electric vehicle charging points, with provisions for future expansion, as well as solar panels on the roof. These green features are part of the project’s commitment to sustainability and the promotion of Active Travel, with a focus on walking and cycling.

Cllr Thomas Tudor, County Councillor for the Castle Ward, welcomed the public engagement event, saying: “This is a great opportunity for residents to come together and learn more about the ongoing regeneration projects that will improve the town for everyone.”

The PTI project will also improve car parking provision and local bus access at Haverfordwest railway station, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the town.

Jason Taylor, Regional Director at Kier Construction, said: “We are excited to meet the people of Haverfordwest and share the plans for this important project. Kier is proud of its Welsh heritage and thrilled to contribute to the town’s development.”

Kier Construction, which has been awarded the contract to build the PTI, will also have a presence at Riverside Shopping Centre, where residents can drop in for more information once work begins this month.

Please note that the temporary Riverside car park has closed to make way for the development.