Inmate Allegedly Slashed to the Face at Troubled Welsh Prison
A prisoner at HMP Parc in Bridgend was reportedly taken to hospital after being slashed to the face in an incident at the troubled prison. Sources close to the prison claimed that the inmate was targeted in the exercise yard by an assailant wielding a razor blade attached to the end of a toothbrush. The incident took place on Wednesday, prompting staff to search for the makeshift weapon, a search that was reportedly still ongoing on Friday.
G4S, the private security firm managing the prison, declined to comment directly on the allegation but stated that their staff responded swiftly and professionally to the situation. A spokesperson for G4S mentioned that one prisoner required hospital treatment for minor injuries following the altercation. The prisoner’s injuries were deemed not serious enough to warrant an ambulance, so the individual was taken to the hospital in a taxi and returned six hours later.
It is anticipated that the incident will be reported to the police for further investigation. Despite this recent incident, HMP Parc has been marred by ongoing issues, including 14 inmate deaths since late February, as well as incidents of rioting, staff arrests, and allegations of drug dealing and corruption within the prison walls. Several of the deaths have been linked to drugs or self-harm, with the most recent death being that of 88-year-old Terrence Hulme.
An inquiry into Welsh prisons, particularly focusing on G4S’s management of HMP Parc, is set to be re-opened amidst the mounting concerns. Last month, four staff members at Parc were arrested on suspicion of assault and misconduct in a public office, further exacerbating the prison’s troubles.
Labour MP Ruth Jones, chairwoman-elect of the UK Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Committee, expressed her deep concern over the situation at Parc and pledged to re-open the committee’s inquiry into Welsh prisons. G4S has acknowledged the tragic deaths that have occurred at Parc and mentioned that significant efforts have been made to implement positive changes within the prison.
Despite the challenges faced by HMP Parc, G4S stated that improvements have been made in various areas such as staffing, safety, security, drug control, daily routines, and respect over the past four months. The prison is keen to showcase the positive work being done by its staff and has extended an invitation to Ruth Jones MP and other stakeholders to witness these changes firsthand.
The developments at HMP Parc highlight the ongoing complexities within the prison system and the urgent need for continued scrutiny and reform to ensure the safety and well-being of both inmates and staff members.