Leaked text messages have surfaced, indicating staff members at HMP Parc possibly taunting inmates. The messages, obtained by Wales Online, paint a troubling picture of exchanges between prison officers and ex-colleagues. Some messages appeared to make light of self-harm incidents, while others seemed to show a deliberate goading of inmates into physical altercations. One disturbing message read, ‘Let’s push him to go tomorrow so we can drop him’.
The leaked text messages reveal officers discussing violent interactions with inmates at the troubled Welsh prison. One message detailed an officer punching an inmate after being bitten, while another mentioned provoking an inmate into a confrontation. Moreover, the messages seemed to trivialise suicide risks within the prison, with one conversation nonchalantly mentioning tying a bag around one’s neck to end their life.
Upon being confronted with the leaked messages, G4S, the company operating HMP Parc, emphasised their “zero-tolerance” policy towards any staff behaviour that does not meet the expected standards. The concerning revelations come in the wake of a string of incidents at the prison, including 17 inmate deaths in 2024, the highest among all prisons that year. Additionally, reported cases of self-harm at Parc had more than doubled.
Last year, six officers at Parc were arrested on suspicion of misconduct, further escalating concerns about the environment within the prison. South Wales Police confirmed that the arrests stemmed from a series of incidents at the Bridgend jail. Notably, earlier arrests involving four officers in connection to excessive use of force on prisoners did not result in charges, but a subsequent phase of arrests occurred in January.
Prisons minister Lord James Timpson acknowledged collaboration between the anti-corruption unit of the Prison and Probation Service and the police in investigating the allegations. G4S disclosed that three of the originally arrested individuals have been dismissed, with one remaining suspended pending disciplinary proceedings. The company affirmed its commitment to identifying and addressing any misconduct within its workforce.
G4S reiterated their expectation for staff to treat everyone with dignity and respect, asserting a firm stance on addressing behaviours that deviate from their standards. While the majority of prison staff were described as hardworking and honest, the leaked messages underscore the necessity of upholding strict behavioural standards within the prison system. Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring the welfare and safety of inmates under the care of correctional facilities.