Bereaved families gathered outside Parc prison in Bridgend to demand change following a concerning number of inmate deaths within the facility. The families, who have lost loved ones in the Welsh prison, expressed their frustrations with the management of the prison, particularly targeting G4S, the private security company that runs the prison. They highlighted issues such as drug use, violence, and a lack of mental health support within the prison.
The protest outside HMP Parc comes in response to ongoing controversies surrounding the prison, including allegations of drug-dealing, violence, corruption, chronic understaffing, and inadequate mental health support. Last month, six prison officers were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and several inmates have tragically lost their lives. These deaths are currently under investigation, with authorities awaiting the coroner’s reports to determine the causes.
Families of the deceased inmates shared their heartbreaking stories, with one mother, Clare Jones, questioning the circumstances of her son’s death in the prison. Despite being informed of her son’s passing due to a spice overdose, she raised concerns about the mental health support he received and the reported violence within the prison. Jones emphasised the urgent need for changes to prevent further tragedies and improve conditions inside the facility.
Frances Jones, another family member who lost her nephew to suicide in the prison, joined the protest, calling for justice and accountability. She lamented the high number of deaths occurring at Parc prison, highlighting the devastating impact on families left behind. The families are united in their plea for G4S to be removed from managing the prison, urging government intervention to address the systemic issues and prevent future loss of life.
Supporting the bereaved families were cousins Brandon Lee-Jones and Dylan Lloyd-Jones, who shared their personal experiences of the failures within the prison system. They expressed their determination to seek justice for their loved one who tragically took his own life while incarcerated. Their presence at the protest echoed the sentiment of many others who have been affected by the prison’s shortcomings and called for urgent reforms to prevent further harm.
Melvina Morris, who lost her nephew to suicide in another prison, also stood in solidarity with the grieving families, expressing concerns for the safety of her other relatives currently detained at Parc. She recounted a distressing incident where her niece’s boyfriend, an inmate at the prison, was allegedly denied proper medical treatment due to staff shortages. Morris emphasised the need for stricter measures to prevent drug smuggling and improve healthcare services within the prison.
The families’ demands for change outside the Parc prison reflect a broader call for accountability and reform within the UK prison system. Their poignant stories of loss and suffering serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of neglect and mismanagement. As they continue to seek answers and justice for their loved ones, their collective voice grows stronger, urging authorities to take decisive action to prevent further tragedies within prisons across the country.