News

Ex-inmate jailed for posting video of Parc Prison employee

Published

1 year ago

November 11, 2024

A FORMER inmate and prison reform advocate has been sentenced for posting a video of a staff member restraining a prisoner on social media.

Zachery “Zac” Griffiths, 32, of Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, shared the footage on a public Facebook group, sparking a legal backlash.

Griffiths, of Golygfor, Llanelli, was arrested and said he had received the information from those inside the prison. He said he knew it was illegal to post the footage online but he believed it was in the public interest.

The defendant later pleaded guilty to transmitting or causing the transmission of an image or sound from a prison contrary to the Prison Act 1952, and causing to be sent by public communication network an offensive, indecent, obscene, menacing message or matter.

The court heard he has 50 previous convictions including malicious communications, possessing a prohibited item in prison and drug offences.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, the victim said: “The incident has had a lasting effect on my life, my anxiety is terrible especially at night time. Every time I heard a noise my anxiety would go through the roof. I’m constantly paranoid and checking the windows and doors are locked. I check the windows to see if anyone is outside.”

Cardiff Crown Court sentenced Griffiths to 12 months, with half to be served in custody.

Griffiths, a prominent figure in prison reform, admitted to posting the video and to making false claims about a staff member at HMP Parc, a private prison in Bridgend, where he was previously incarcerated.

The court also issued a restraining order prohibiting Griffiths from contacting or referencing the worker, who endured significant distress due to Griffiths’ posts.

Griffiths, who served time from 2016 to 2020 and again until 2023 on charges including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, became an advocate for prison reform following his release.

He founded the HMP Prisons Justice Group UK, which operates primarily through a Facebook group with over 6,000 members.

Many members are families of inmates or of individuals who died in custody, and the group campaigns for reform and raises awareness of prison conditions, focusing especially on HMP Parc.

***Protests: Families of those who have died at the prison gather to protest – Zac was key to organising these demonstrations (Image: BBC)***

Seventeen inmates are known to have died at Parc so far this year – more than at any other prison.

The security company G4S, which runs HMP Parc, confirmed this number. It is understood eight deaths were of natural causes.

Three prisoners were also taken to hospital following disorder at the prison in June.

Griffiths’ posts falsely accused the prison support worker and her family of drug-related activities.

According to prosecutor Pamela Kaiga, the victim experienced severe anxiety, taking nine weeks off work—her first sick leave in nine-and-a-half years with G4S, the private firm managing Parc Prison.

She reported fearing for her safety and that of her daughter, and her family faced harassment in public due to Griffiths’ claims.

Throughout his advocacy, Griffiths has been vocal about what he describes as “toxic” conditions within HMP Parc, alleging issues with drug access, corruption, and inadequate rehabilitation.

He has specifically pointed to rising availability of harmful substances like fentanyl, claiming that prison authorities fail to address these issues effectively. Griffiths argues for a shift toward rehabilitation-focused incarceration, which he claims is crucial for preparing inmates to reenter society.

***Disturbance at Parc Prison in June 2024: Zac was live streaming from the event, and spent hours outside the facility (Image: Herald)***

Representing himself in court, Griffiths claimed he posted the video to expose troubling conditions within the prison, asserting that his actions were in the public interest.

However, Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke rejected his defense, stating, “You are not making a speech for your campaign.” She further criticized Griffiths’ actions as “intentional” and “deliberate,” asserting that his decision to spread unverified claims was designed to advance his cause rather than serve the truth.

While Griffiths’ group has garnered support from families affected by prison-related issues, his approach has sparked debate. His unverified claims about prison staff and contentious public statements, including disputes with officials like Social Justice Minister Jane Hutt, have led to criticism from prison authorities who dispute his assertions. Griffiths acknowledges crossing a line, yet views the publicity his group achieved as a positive outcome.

***Active in the community: Zac runs a prison support group on Facebook with over 6000 members (Image: SWP)***

Last month, Prisons Minister James Timpson announced an investigation into alleged corruption within HMP Parc. The judge highlighted that Griffiths’ actions may have indirectly influenced scrutiny of the prison, but questioned whether his methods justified the harm caused to individuals affected by his claims.

As Griffiths left the dock, he waved to friends and supporters in the public gallery.

While his actions have drawn attention to the need for prison reform, they also illustrate the risks and responsibilities that come with high-stakes activism.

News

Political leaders and unions react to Milford Haven school assault

Published

3 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Tom Sinclair

First Minister, MP, MS and teaching unions call for safety and support for staff

POLITICAL leaders and teaching unions across Wales have spoken out following Thursday’s assault on a teacher at Milford Haven School, which led to a lockdown, a major police response and the arrest of a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder.

The First Minister Eluned Morgan said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and stressed that violence had no place in Welsh schools.

***Police at Milford Haven School on May 5 (Pic: Herald)***

Her comments come just days after she visited the Milford Haven campus following the school being placed into special measures by Estyn, where she met leaders to discuss improvement plans and support arrangements.

She said her thoughts were with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community, and praised the swift response of staff and emergency services.

Local MP Henry Tufnell, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, described the incident as deeply upsetting for what he called a close-knit community.

He said he was thinking of the teacher and pupils affected and thanked Dyfed-Powys Police and ambulance crews for their professionalism.

Meanwhile Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz said: “Deeply concerning news across the water in Milford Haven.

“Sadly, violence in our schools is becoming all too common, and thanks must go to the emergency services for their timely response. Thoughts are with the injured teacher, their family and the wider school community.”

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies said teachers must feel safe at work and called for continued support for school staff.

Teaching unions also responded.

NASUWT said teachers “deserve to feel safe in their workplace” and that any violence against staff must be taken seriously, while National Education Union said schools must remain safe spaces for both pupils and staff and urged continued focus on safeguarding and behaviour support.

All said support would be offered to the Milford Haven school community in the days ahead as police investigations continue.

Crime

Teacher discharged as police step back from Milford Haven school after assault

Published

5 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Teenager remains in custody as school closes and patrols increased to reassure community

POLICE have confirmed they are no longer stationed at Milford Haven School after a teacher was assaulted by a pupil on Thursday afternoon (Feb 5), as the injured member of staff has now been discharged from hospital.

In a joint statement issued by Dyfed-Powys Police, Pembrokeshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, Superintendent Chris Neve said swift action had been taken to protect pupils and staff.

He said: “Police are no longer in attendance at Milford Haven Comprehensive School, following a report of the assault of a teacher at approx. 3.20pm this afternoon.

“I would like to reassure parents, and the wider community, that swift action was taken to both safeguard pupils and teachers, and to trace the suspect as soon as this report was received.

“The teacher has now been discharged from hospital and is being supported by specialist officers. All pupils at the location were safe, and all returned home unharmed. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

“You will see a higher than usual police presence in the area over the coming days – these will be dedicated patrols to provide further reassurance.”

The injured teacher was earlier taken to hospital by road ambulance.

An immediate lockdown was put in place at the school while emergency services responded. Most pupils had already left for the day, but those still on site were secured inside classrooms and offices as a precaution.

School closed on Friday

Council leader Cllr Jon Harvey said the school would be closed to pupils on Friday to allow support and safety measures to continue.

He said: “We would like to thank staff and pupils at Milford Haven School for implementing a swift and effective lockdown in response to this incident.

“While the school will be closed to pupils tomorrow, if there are any learners who require additional support they are welcome to attend and there will also be support for staff on site.

“We’d like to reassure learners and parents, along with the wider community, that all measures to ensure safety are being taken.”

The health board added that anyone needing urgent mental health support can call NHS 111 and press option 2 for 24-hour assistance.

National spotlight

The incident has drawn national media attention.

BBC News broadcast live from the school gates during its Ten O’Clock News bulletin, while ITV News and several national titles also covered developments.

Journalists from a number of UK outlets, including The Sun, contacted The Herald as events unfolded, with several Welsh and national publishers using photographs first taken by Herald reporters.

Residents said the scale of coverage was unprecedented for the normally quiet port town.

Police enquiries are continuing.

Photo caption:

Police outside Milford Haven School following Thursday’s incident (Pics: Herald).

Health

Health board targets rise in steroid and gym drug use across west Wales

Published

9 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE LOCAL health board has launched new targeted measures after recording a sharp rise in the use of steroids and other image-enhancing drugs across the region.

Hywel Dda University Health Board says needle exchange figures show significant growth over the past two years in people seeking support related to Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs), including anabolic steroids and so-called Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs).

SARMs, while marketed online as safer alternatives to steroids, are illegal to sell in the UK and health professionals warn they carry serious and largely unknown risks.

The health board has now teamed up with Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and Choices, a young people’s substance use service, to tackle what officials describe as an “emerging public health challenge”.

Workshops and outreach

Two key initiatives have been introduced.

Educational workshops are being delivered to young people, focusing on the risks of using performance-enhancing substances during physical development and the potential long-term effects on hormones, mental health and fertility.

At the same time, enhanced support is being offered to people already involved in gym and fitness culture, with harm-reduction advice, health monitoring and confidential drop-in services.

Support includes testosterone testing, blood checks, cycle provision kits and discreet one-to-one consultations.

One service user described the programme as “quick, professional and non-judgemental”.

They said: “The drop-in clinic for my blood test was really convenient. I was seen quickly and given a full run-down of the services available. The staff made me feel comfortable the whole time and I got my results back faster than expected.”

Taking support into the community

The team has also worked directly with local gyms, leisure centres and sports venues, speaking to more than 100 people during five outreach sessions.

Twelve DDAS staff members have completed specialist IPED training delivered by Public Health Wales to strengthen expertise within the service.

Rachel Wilson, Resilient Families Manager at Choices, said the aim is to reduce stigma.

She said: “We’re proud to work alongside Hywel Dda to ensure people who use IPEDs are met with understanding, not judgement. These initiatives are helping us reach individuals who may not have previously considered accessing support.”

Craig Jones, Prevention and Population Health Improvement Manager, added: “This work is about meeting people where they are. By listening and responding with compassion and evidence-based care, we’re making a real difference.”

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Executive Director of Public Health, said the approach showed the board’s commitment to early intervention.

She said: “These initiatives reflect a proactive, collaborative response to emerging health challenges and demonstrate our dedication to protecting the health of our communities.”

Anyone seeking confidential advice or support can contact DDAS on 03303 639997 to book an appointment.