Crime

Violence at HMP Parc has doubled in five years new data shows

Published

7 months ago

November 5, 2025

Dozens of Pembrokeshire inmates among those affected as assaults surge behind bars

VIOLENCE inside HMP Parc has more than doubled in the past five years, with a sharp rise in both prisoner-on-prisoner assaults and attacks on staff, according to figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests.

Many inmates from Pembrokeshire are currently housed at the privately-run Bridgend prison, which serves as the main Category B facility for much of South and West Wales.

The new data, released by Legal Expert, reveals that assaults between prisoners have soared from 255 in 2019 to 522 in 2024/25. Over the same period, staff assaults have almost doubled from 99 in 2022/23 to 199 in 2024/25.

Experts say the violence is being fuelled by chronic overcrowding, staff shortages, and worsening mental health among inmates. Government research published in June confirmed a strong link between overcrowding and violence, showing that prisoners in overpopulated jails are nearly 20% more likely to be involved in assaults.

In response, the Ministry of Justice has pledged £40 million in new security measures as part of its “Plan for Change”, including the creation of 14,000 additional prison places by 2031.

Patrick Mallon, a solicitor at JF Law, said: “The consistent rise in assaults across UK prisons highlights a system stretched to breaking point. With record inmate numbers and many facilities operating beyond capacity, the environment has become increasingly volatile.

“The government must ensure that investment isn’t limited to infrastructure but also focuses on addressing staff shortages and improving inmate welfare. Without that, violence will continue to escalate.”

HMP Parc currently holds around 1,800 inmates. Nationally, the prison population has more than doubled in the past three decades—from 43,000 in 1994 to over 88,000 in 2024—while staffing levels have remained largely unchanged.

Across England and Wales last year, there were 10,568 assaults on prison staff and 20,570 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults—rises of 7% and 9% respectively.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “This government inherited a prison system in crisis, overcrowded and rife with violence. We are fixing this by delivering the fastest prison-building programme in over a century.”

Patrick Mallon added: “The Prison Service has a legal duty of care to protect individuals in its custody. Where it has failed to do so—such as by not segregating a vulnerable inmate—that individual may be entitled to seek compensation.

“Prison officers also have a right to a safe workplace, with proper training and resources. These claims are not just about compensation, but about holding authorities to account and demanding systemic change.”

HMP Parc has been the subject of multiple high-profile incidents in recent years, including drug-related deaths and concerns about gang control. Several offenders from Pembrokeshire have served or are currently serving their sentences there.

Crime

Drug trafficker must repay £33,000 after court rules he made nearly £500,000

Published

7 hours ago

June 17, 2026

Court Reporter

A PEMBROKESHIRE drug trafficker jailed after a major cocaine and cannabis seizure has been ordered to repay more than £33,000.

Dean Evans, 44, returned to Swansea Crown Court for a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing after prosecutors sought to recover money made through his offending.

The court heard it had been agreed that Evans benefited from criminal conduct by £496,533.94. However, his available assets were calculated at £33,337.37.

Judge Catherine Richards made a confiscation order for that amount and gave Evans three months to pay. If he fails to do so, he faces a further year in prison.

Evans, of St Clements Park, Freystrop, is already serving an eight-year sentence after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.

He was caught after Dyfed-Powys Police’s Roads Policing Unit stopped his Seat Ateca on Holyland Road, Pembroke, at around 10:25am on January 2.

Officers searched the vehicle after Evans admitted they would find “stuff” inside.

They discovered around one kilogram of cocaine in a cardboard box in the boot, together with 5.4 kilograms of cannabis in a black bin bag. The cannabis had been split into ten vacuum-sealed bags.

Swansea Crown Court was previously told the drugs had a combined potential street value of up to £185,000, made up of around £125,000 of cocaine and cannabis worth up to £60,000.

A mobile phone seized from Evans revealed what prosecutors described as a “dealer’s list”, with dozens of names and sums believed to be owed. Messages also showed Evans directing dealers below him in the supply chain.

At the original sentencing hearing, the court was told Evans had 23 previous convictions for 62 offences, including rape and robbery. His previous drug matters had related only to possession.

Sarah John, mitigating, said he had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and had stayed out of trouble for a “fairly lengthy period”, with his last conviction in 2016.

Jailing Evans for eight years, Judge Paul Thomas KC said: “You are clearly a man with few criminal boundaries.

“You ensnared users and low-level drug dealers into debt, dragging them into a vicious circle of criminality.”

After sentencing, DC Phill Jones, of Pembrokeshire’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said illegal drugs brought misery to local communities and would not be tolerated.

He said: “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to any others who are tempted into the illegal drugs trade. You will get caught and you will go to prison.”

Photo caption: Drugs seized:

Dean Evans was caught with cocaine and cannabis worth up to £185,000 in his car (Pic: Dyfed-Powys Police).

Crime

Man wanted by court after failing to attend hearing over alleged shop thefts

Published

9 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A MAN is wanted by the courts after failing to attend a hearing relating to a series of alleged shop thefts in Pembrokeshire.

Jack Morgan, of Pembroke, was due to appear before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) but failed to attend.

The court heard that Morgan faces several allegations of shop theft from businesses in Pembrokeshire.

The charges include the alleged theft of vodka from the Co-op in Pembroke Dock, along with food and drink items including sausages, crisps and Dragon Soop from The Green Garage.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place on various dates earlier this year.

After Morgan failed to attend court, magistrates issued a warrant for his arrest without bail.

He will now be brought before the court once located by police.

Court officials heard that the matters remain before the court and no pleas have yet been entered.

Crime

Shop theft admitted after alcohol stolen from Haverfordwest store

Published

9 hours ago

June 16, 2026

Court Reporter

A WOMAN has admitted shoplifting alcohol from a Haverfordwest store.

Esme Hoyle appeared before Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (Jun 16) charged with theft from a shop.

The court heard that Hoyle stole alcohol worth £17 from B&M in Haverfordwest on Sunday, April 6.

Hoyle pleaded guilty to the offence.

Magistrates sentenced Hoyle following her guilty plea and imposed financial penalties, including prosecution costs and a victim surcharge.

The court was told the offence related to a low-value retail theft from the town centre store.

Retail theft continues to place pressure on local businesses across Pembrokeshire, with stores increasingly reporting repeated incidents of shoplifting.