An investigation is underway into a prison officer accused of threatening to “smother” an inmate at HMP Parc, a facility managed by the private security firm G4S. The incident reportedly occurred while the officer was accompanying the inmate at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, where the prisoner was receiving treatment following a stroke.
A nurse at the hospital overheard the officer allegedly make the threatening remark while the inmate was groaning in pain. The officer is said to have stated, “If you don’t stop groaning, I’m gonna smother you.” Following this incident, the nurse reported the matter to G4S, prompting the current investigation.
A spokesperson for G4S confirmed that the investigation is in progress but did not disclose whether the officer had been suspended pending the outcome. The company emphasized that it would be inappropriate to comment further during this ongoing inquiry.
This incident comes on the heels of a troubling report released earlier this year, which highlighted significant concerns regarding safety and drug use at HMP Parc. The report revealed an “alarming” flow of drugs into the prison, resulting in a spate of tragic deaths. It noted a decline in standards since G4S secured a 10-year contract to operate the facility, with serious deficiencies identified, including cell windows that could be easily opened from the inside.
In 2022, HMP Parc recorded 17 inmate deaths, the highest number among UK prisons. Of these, five were drug-related, three were self-inflicted, eight were attributed to natural causes, and one remains unexplained. Recent months have also seen incidents of violence, including two alleged stabbings, one involving an inmate who reportedly fashioned a weapon from a tin can while under the influence of the potent cannabinoid spice.
In April 2023, a leak of messages exchanged among prison staff surfaced, revealing officers making light of inmate suffering and boasting about violent acts. While authorities chose not to pursue further action against the eight officers arrested in connection with these messages, five were dismissed, two resigned during the investigation, and one received a final warning.
In response to the critical inspection report, G4S stated that the prison had undergone “considerable” improvements and expressed a commitment to ensuring the safety and support of the inmates in their care. The spokesperson added that the company is diligently working on a comprehensive improvement plan to restore the quality of services at HMP Parc.
The ongoing investigation into the alleged threat against the inmate adds to a growing list of concerns regarding the management and conditions within the prison, prompting calls for greater oversight and accountability in the private prison system.
