A former officer at HMP Parc in Bridgend has come forward to speak out about what he describes as serious failings linked to three recent inmate deaths at the prison. The privately-run prison has been facing scrutiny after a series of scandals, including allegations of corruption and drug-dealing, as well as a high number of deaths. The ex-employee, known as James, has raised concerns regarding the deaths of Michael ‘Mikey’ Horton, Warren Manners, and Shay Andrews.
James has alleged that there were safeguarding errors connected to the deaths of the three inmates and has criticised the security practices at HMP Parc. The family of Mikey Horton, a teenager who passed away in the prison, expressed their shock and disappointment at the alleged failings. Meanwhile, the private security firm G4S, which operates the jail, stated that it could not comment on individual deaths but expressed condolences to the families affected.
The former officer highlighted various issues at the prison, including inadequate staff searches, failure to prevent drug smuggling through drone drops, and understaffing leading to safety risks. James revealed that he had witnessed instances where staff were overworked, with some even working 24-hour shifts. The prison director has been replaced following incidents of violence and misconduct among the staff.
The families of the deceased inmates have shared their heartbreaking stories, shedding light on the impact of these tragic deaths. Mikey Horton’s family described him as a talented young man who struggled with addiction issues. They had hoped that his time in prison would help him get back on track, but instead, they were faced with the harsh reality of the prison environment.
In addition to Mikey’s story, concerns were raised about the deaths of Warren Manners and Shay Andrews, both of whom were also inmates at HMP Parc. Warren had reportedly suffered serious self-harm incidents prior to his death, while Shay was described as a vulnerable prisoner who needed more support and protection.
The former officer, James, spoke about the increasing challenges faced by prison staff, including rising violence and drug-related issues. He highlighted the strain on resources and the impact of inadequate staffing levels on the safety and security of both inmates and staff. The alleged shortcomings in security practices and response mechanisms have raised serious questions about the management of HMP Parc.
The revelations made by James have sparked further debate about the operations and management of the prison, with calls for more accountability and transparency in dealing with the issues raised. The concerns raised by the former officer reflect a broader issue within the prison system, where systemic challenges may be contributing to unsafe and unsatisfactory conditions for both inmates and staff.
As investigations into the deaths continue, the focus remains on addressing the underlying issues that have led to these tragic outcomes. The families of the deceased inmates are seeking justice and accountability for the failings that may have contributed to their loved ones’ untimely deaths. Efforts to improve safety and security at HMP Parc are underway, but the road to reforming the prison system will require a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address the complex issues at hand.
Overall, the revelations from the former officer shed light on the challenges faced by staff and inmates at HMP Parc, raising important questions about the state of the prison system and the need for urgent reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals within the prison walls.