An inmate at a troubled Welsh prison has passed away over the weekend, confirmed reports say. The elderly man died at Parc Prison in Bridgend on Saturday. Reports indicate that he had been receiving end-of-life care at the prison, and his death will be investigated as per the standard protocol for anyone passing away in custody. A spokesperson for HMP Parc stated, “Mr. Malcolm James, aged 85, passed away on Saturday, October 5. As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and the cause of death is for the coroner to determine.”
This marks the 15th confirmed death at Parc Prison since late February, and it comes at a time when an inquiry into Welsh jails is set to be re-opened. There has been ongoing controversy regarding G4S’ management of HMP Parc, which has experienced rioting, staff arrests, and allegations of widespread drug-dealing and corruption, alongside several deaths involving drugs or self-harm. Just last month, four staff members at Parc were arrested on suspicion of assault and misconduct in a public office. Labour MP Ruth Jones, chair-elect of the UK Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Committee, has expressed deep concerns about the situation at Parc and has pledged to re-open the committee’s inquiry into Welsh prisons.
The issues at Parc Prison raise serious questions and have prompted growing scrutiny. The ongoing challenges faced by the prison have drawn attention to the need for thorough investigations and potential reforms to address the systemic issues at hand. It is imperative for authorities to address the underlying problems to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff. The developments at Parc Prison highlight the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective governance in the management of correctional facilities.