Crime

Chief Inspector warns of ‘revolving door’ as 1,750 inmates released early

Published

1 year ago

September 11, 2024

CONCERNS are mounting as around 1,750 inmates are set to be released early from overcrowded UK prisons, despite warnings that the scheme could lead to increased instability in communities. A former inmate from HMP Parc in Wales cautioned that “unstable” prisoners, who have not been rehabilitated, will soon “come back out on to the streets.”

The controversial decision has been made to alleviate overcrowding, with the government stating that failure to act would have led to a “total collapse of the criminal justice system.” However, Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons, has criticised the scheme, warning that prisons risk becoming a “revolving door” where offenders return to crime due to inadequate rehabilitation efforts.

Mr Taylor highlighted the strain this mass release will place on already stretched probation services, telling Sky News on Tuesday (Sept 10): “It’s a risky time with so many prisoners coming out at the same time.”

Normally, around 1,000 prisoners are released weekly, but with this scheme, an additional 1,700 offenders will be freed. Another wave of 2,000 releases is expected in October, heightening the risk to public safety.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the decision, attributing the move to a prison system on the verge of collapse. She stated: “The alternative would have seen a total breakdown of law and order, with courts unable to conduct trials and police unable to make arrests.” She assured that early release does not apply to inmates convicted of sexual offences, serious violence, terrorism, or domestic abuse.

The government’s decision coincides with a damning report from the Chief Inspector of Prisons, which paints a grim picture of life behind bars. The report reveals a surge in drug use, self-harm, and violence in prisons, with 30 out of 32 inspected institutions rated poorly in providing purposeful activity. It also highlights the issue of overcrowding, with 60% of prisons over capacity, exacerbating already dire conditions.

At HMP Bedford, 30% of prisoners due for release had no secure accommodation, adding to the concerns that many offenders may find themselves homeless, compounding their likelihood of reoffending.

A former inmate of HMP Parc, Zack Griffiths, who has campaigned for prison reform, shared his concerns about drugs entering the prison, claiming that corrupt officers and drones were smuggling substances in. He said: “These people are not being rehabilitated. Inmates are going to come back out on to the streets… and I consider them to be a higher risk because they’re using drugs, they’re unstable.”

***Former HMP Parc inmate and Herald.Wales reader Zack Griffiths said on Sky News this week that drugs came into the prison via corrupt officers***

The problem of synthetic drugs in prisons, particularly spice and nitazines, has been linked to several deaths. Earlier this year, there were ten deaths in HMP Parc over just three months, and self-harm incidents in the prison have doubled in the past year. One case, involving 26-year-old Ryan Harding, who died of a suspected overdose, highlighted the growing danger of synthetic drugs inside prisons.

Ryan’s mother, Catherine Harding, criticised the prison, alleging that her son was more vulnerable due to inadequate medical treatment for his epilepsy and that prison officers were involved in bringing drugs into the facility.

HMP Parc, which is privately run by G4S, has faced significant scrutiny. While the company expressed condolences to families affected by inmate deaths, it acknowledged the challenges posed by a “small minority” of corrupt officers.

The early release programme, intended to relieve pressure on the prison system, has sparked widespread concern, with fears that many released inmates will breach their bail conditions or reoffend, leading them straight back to overcrowded prisons.

Crime

Ex-Gwent police officer now living in Pembrokeshire cleared of corruption

Published

5 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

A FORMER police officer from Pembrokeshire has been found not guilty of corruption following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Luke Silver, aged 34, formerly of Gwent Police, had denied three charges relating to the improper use of police power or privilege. The allegations centred on claims that he made sexually inappropriate and unwanted comments to two women he encountered while on duty.

Jurors heard that one allegation involved remarks allegedly made to a woman during a police interview, while other claims related to similar conduct during separate encounters. Mr Silver denied all wrongdoing throughout the proceedings.

After hearing the evidence, a jury acquitted him of all charges.

Despite the verdict, Gwent Police confirmed that Mr Silver is no longer a serving officer. The force said he was dismissed in April following an accelerated misconduct hearing that dealt with matters separate from the criminal case.

Reporting restrictions had previously been imposed on the misconduct proceedings to prevent any potential prejudice to the criminal trial. Those restrictions were lifted following the conclusion of the court case.

The misconduct panel found that Mr Silver had breached standards of professional behaviour on two occasions, relating to honesty and integrity, and conduct likely to bring discredit on the police service.

As a result, he has been placed on the College of Policing barred list, preventing him from working for any police force in the future.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick McLain said Mr Silver was no longer employed by Gwent Police and stressed the force’s commitment to maintaining public trust.

He said the public rightly expects officers to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, adding that the force would continue to act decisively where conduct falls short.

Crime

Woman jailed for stealing £245,000 from Pembrokeshire charity

Published

8 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Court Reporter

Trustee abused position of trust, leaving organisation facing closures, job losses and tax debt

A WOMAN who abused her position at a Pembrokeshire-based charity to steal almost a quarter of a million pounds has been jailed for four years.

Liza Haines, 54, defrauded Sazani Associates, a not-for-profit organisation based in Pembroke, of £245,410.63 over a five-year period.

The charity delivers education and sustainable development programmes in Europe and Africa, working with communities in poorer regions.

Swansea Crown Court heard that Haines was both a trustee and operations manager at the organisation, placing her in a senior and trusted role with extensive financial responsibilities.

Emily Bennett, prosecuting, told the court that Haines was responsible for payroll, pensions and VAT returns, giving her direct access to the charity’s bank accounts.

Between 2018 and 2023, she systematically diverted funds for her own use.

When the fraud was uncovered, the charity’s accounts were found to be empty, leaving it unable to pay staff. Directors were forced to take out personal loans to cover wages.

The court heard that the financial damage caused by Haines’ actions led to job losses, the closure of offices in Carmarthen and Zanzibar, and the cancellation of several projects. The organisation was also left owing £93,000 to HM Revenue and Customs.

Dr Ian Clegg, a retired university lecturer and director of Sazani Associates, read a victim impact statement to the court.

He said the directors had been left “shocked and bewildered” by the betrayal, adding that Haines had been trusted to play an important role within the organisation.

Dr Clegg told the court that the directors had received threatening letters from creditors, causing serious professional and personal distress.

“This was a calculated deception,” he said, adding that the situation had taken both a physical and mental toll on those involved in running the charity.

Haines, of Clos Cilsaig, Dafen, Llanelli, pleaded guilty to fraud.

The court heard that she has a previous conviction for theft by employee dating back to 2007, when she stole around £7,000 while working as an administrator at St Mark’s Court Care Home in Swansea. She was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for eighteen months.

That conviction was not disclosed when she applied for her role at Sazani Associates.

Dyfed Llion Thomas, representing Haines, said her guilty plea amounted to significant mitigation and told the court she had shown genuine remorse. The court was also told that she has an elderly mother.

Sentencing her, Judge Paul Hobson said she had been fully aware of the risks of her actions but had ignored them out of greed.

“This organisation was a labour of love for those who built it,” he said.

He added: “Your work life was a sham. You knew the financial harm you were causing. The consequences of what you did have been devastating. You are an habitually dishonest individual.”

Haines was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

A proceeds of crime hearing is due to take place on April 23 next year.

Crime

Emergency bags rolled out to support domestic abuse victims across Dyfed-Powys

Published

1 day ago

December 19, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Thirty packs provide immediate help for families fleeing dangerous situations

A NEW initiative aimed at supporting victims of domestic abuse has seen thirty emergency bags distributed for use across the Dyfed-Powys Police area.

The bags, which contain essential items including toiletries, non-perishable snacks and emergency supplies, are designed to offer immediate practical support to individuals and families forced to flee abusive situations, often with little or nothing.

The scheme forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s wider commitment to improving outcomes for victims and is being delivered in partnership with Dyfed-Powys Police and Dal i Godi, the commissioned Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA) service.

Dal i Godi provides specialist support to victims at high risk of serious harm, including safety planning and advocacy through the criminal justice process.

Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said the initiative was already proving its value.

“This is an incredible initiative that I’m proud to support,” he said. “It provides meaningful help to those experiencing trauma and reflects our ongoing work to put victims first.

“Within just a few days of the bags being distributed to the Dal i Godi service, one was given to a victim fleeing a domestic abuse situation, along with a children’s pack to support their young family. That shows just how essential this support can be and how quickly it can make a difference.”

Detective Chief Inspector Llyr Williams, from the Dyfed-Powys Police Vulnerability Hub, said the emergency bags could provide a vital lifeline at critical moments.

“These emergency bags offer support at some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life,” he said.

“The contents provide immediate comfort, dignity and practical help for those leaving their homes in crisis. While simple, they represent an important first step towards safety and recovery.

“We are proud to be working with partners across the Dyfed-Powys area to ensure this support reaches people when they need it most.”

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone else, is encouraged to seek help. In an emergency, call 999.

Domestic abuse can also be reported online via Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support services available include Victim Support Dyfed-Powys, which offers free and confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported, and Dal i Godi, which provides specialist IDVA support for high-risk victims.

The Live Fear Free Helpline offers 24-hour support for those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence across Wales.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse, please consider reporting it. If you are in danger or need support right away, please call 999.

You can report domestic abuse through the online crime reporting service here: Report domestic abuse | Dyfed-Powys Police.

Support is also available via the below support services:

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Free, independent support for anyone affected by crime in the Dyfed-Powys area, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

0300 123 2996

Victim Support Dyfed-Powys

Dal i Godi (IDVA Service)

Specialist support for victims of domestic abuse at high risk, offering safety planning, emotional support, and advocacy with agencies such as police and courts.

01267 221194

Dal i Godi