An inmate at HMP Parc prison in Bridgend, Wales, was taken to Accident and Emergency (A&E) after reportedly being subjected to a severe assault, leaving him badly injured. According to his family, the 42-year-old prisoner was attacked in his cell, where three men allegedly entered and struck him repeatedly with a tuna tin wrapped in a sock and pool cues. His daughter-in-law described the injuries as significant, with stitches in his lip and severe bruising, likening his appearance to that of the “Elephant Man”. G4S, the company that operates Parc prison, disputed some aspects of the family’s account, stating that the prisoner had only sustained minor injuries and that no weapons were involved.
Following the assault, the injured inmate was taken to A&E for treatment and later returned to the prison. The family claimed that tensions between the victim and other inmates had escalated over territorial disputes and reputational issues. The inmate, who is due for release in two weeks, has allegedly faced threats to his life and reported feeling unsafe within the prison environment. Despite efforts by prison staff to safeguard him, his family expressed concerns about his ongoing safety and the effectiveness of the prison’s security measures.
HMP Parc has been under scrutiny recently due to reports of violence, drug-related incidents, and deaths among inmates. In response to these challenges, G4S replaced the prison’s director earlier in the year. The Ministry of Justice also highlighted a significant increase in self-harm incidents at the facility. The inmate’s family has called for better safeguarding measures and communication from the prison authorities to ensure the well-being of all prisoners.
The ongoing concerns about safety and security within HMP Parc underscore the need for improved monitoring and support for inmates, particularly those at risk of harm. As investigations into the recent assault continue, questions remain about the effectiveness of the prison’s procedures in ensuring the welfare of those in its care. The challenges faced by both inmates and staff highlight the complexities of maintaining order and safety in a high-pressure prison environment.