Regime restrictions leaving prisoners locked up for long periods despite progress tackling drugs

STAFF shortages at Parc Prison are continuing to severely restrict daily life for inmates despite improvements in tackling illegal drugs, according to inspectors.

A report published on Monday (Feb 16) by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons found that progress at the Bridgend jail was being significantly undermined by ongoing recruitment and retention problems, delays in vetting new staff, and the need to escort prisoners to outside hospital appointments.

Inspectors said these pressures meant many prisoners were spending long periods locked in their cells with limited access to education, work, or rehabilitation activities.

The findings come from a targeted independent review of progress carried out between January 5 and January 7, 2026, rather than a full inspection.

Staffing crisis restricting daily regime

Inspectors concluded that staffing shortages were the main factor preventing improvement across multiple areas of the prison.

The report found that regime restrictions had “severely hampered” progress, with prisoners often unable to access purposeful activity or support services needed to prepare for release.

Limited time out of cell is widely recognised as one of the key indicators of prison instability and poor outcomes.

Drug reduction efforts showing results

Despite the challenges, inspectors identified one significant area of progress.

Leaders and staff had made what the report described as “considerable effort” to reduce the supply of illicit drugs entering the prison.

Measures included:

• Installation of secure windows
• Increased use of technology
• Targeted deployment of resources

These steps were credited with contributing to a decline in drug use among prisoners — a notable development given previous concerns about drug-related instability at the jail.

Concerns over rehabilitation and sentence progression

However, inspectors warned that prisoners were not receiving enough support to progress through their sentences.

Weaknesses in offender management meant some inmates were missing opportunities to complete programmes or move forward in their rehabilitation, potentially affecting their preparation for release.

Public protection weaknesses identified

The report also highlighted concerns around public protection processes, including aspects of risk management for certain offenders.

Such findings are considered particularly significant because they relate directly to the safety of the public after prisoners are released.

Partial recovery after troubled period

HMP Parc, a large Category C resettlement prison operated privately, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years following a period of serious deterioration identified in earlier inspections.

The latest review suggests that while some improvements have been made — particularly in tackling drugs — fundamental operational pressures remain.

Inspectors made clear that without resolving staffing shortages and restoring a full daily regime, wider progress across the prison will remain limited.

Guilty plea entered at Swansea Crown Court after fatal hit-and-run days before Christmas

A MAN has admitted causing the death of a Carmarthenshire dog walker after striking him with a car and leaving the scene.

Daniel Wyke, aged 28, of Carmarthen, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Feb 16) where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

The victim, Aaron Jones, aged 38, from Llanpumsaint, was discovered in a churchyard near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel on December 23, 2024 — just days before Christmas.

The court heard that Mr Jones, a father of two, had suffered catastrophic injuries after being struck by a vehicle at around 7:20pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutor Ian Wright told the court there was extensive damage to the windscreen of the vehicle involved, consistent with a serious impact.

Mr Jones’ body was found after his dog was discovered wandering alone by a passer-by, who contacted his wife and raised the alarm, prompting a search of the area.

Wyke was arrested the following day.

In addition to the fatal collision, he had also faced a separate allegation of dangerous driving on Water Street in Carmarthen. That charge was denied and remains outstanding.

His Honour Judge Paul Thomas KC granted Wyke bail but imposed an immediate driving disqualification.

A provisional sentencing date has been set for March 30.

Update follows major Gordon Street operation reported on Friday

ONE man is due to appear in court today (Monday, Feb 16) following last week’s armed police operation in Pembroke Dock, as officers confirmed that three other suspects have been released on bail.

The Herald reported on Friday (Feb 13) that firearms officers, dog units and multiple police vehicles were deployed to Gordon Street during a pre-planned operation involving several specialist departments.

Dyfed-Powys Police has now provided an update on the outcome of the raids.

Two men, aged 37 and 35, and a woman aged 32 — all arrested during Friday’s operation — have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A fourth suspect, a 28-year-old man arrested for failing to appear in court, has been recalled to prison.

Officers also confirmed that a fifth person was arrested the following day, Saturday (Feb 14).

Zack High, aged 26, has since been charged with grievous bodily harm and is due to appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court today.

During the initial operation, police said arrests were made for a range of suspected offences including grievous bodily harm, firearms possession, drugs supply, fraud, and possession of a bladed article.

Detective Sergeant Jamie Hughes, of Pembrokeshire CID, previously thanked the community for its patience during the large police deployment and said the action demonstrated that officers would “deal with offenders robustly and efficiently”.