© Tom Blewitt – HMP Prisons Justice Group
A prisoner on the A2 wing of HMP Parc reportedly set fire to his cell and barricaded himself inside on Wednesday, marking yet another alarming incident at the troubled prison in Bridgend. The blaze, which prompted emergency response protocols, underscores growing unrest within the prison, which has been operating under a restrictive red regime for nearly four months.
This latest episode adds to a mounting catalogue of violence, drug-related deaths, and staff misconduct that has plagued the privately run prison. Operated by security firm G4S, HMP Parc has become a focal point for criticism, with calls intensifying for the company’s removal amid claims of systemic failure.
A Prison in Crisis
The red regime—typically reserved for extreme security measures—has been in place since early summer, severely limiting prisoner movement and access to rehabilitative services. Sources inside the prison describe an atmosphere of escalating tension, with inmates increasingly frustrated by isolation, lack of support, and deteriorating conditions.
The fire on A2 follows a series of troubling events, including multiple inmate deaths, suspected overdoses, and assaults on inmates. In one recent case, a prisoner died after what an inquest described as “inadequate” measures to prevent drug smuggling. Another inmate was found dead in his cell after overdosing, with his mother testifying that her son’s deteriorating health went unnoticed by staff.
Misconduct and Mismanagement
Beyond the violence and fatalities, leaked messages have revealed a toxic culture among some staff at HMP Parc. Officers were found joking about self-harm, mocking vulnerable inmates, and admitting to skipping duties. These revelations have led to multiple arrests of prison officers on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
G4S, which has operated the prison since its opening, has faced growing scrutiny over its handling of the facility. Critics argue that the company has lost control, citing a surge in staff assaults, drug use, and inmate deaths. In the past year alone, 17 deaths have been recorded at Parc, including suicides and unexplained fatalities.
Public Outcry and Demands for Change
Advocacy groups and families of inmates are now demanding urgent intervention. Tom Blewitt of HMP Prisons Justice Group said “G4S has failed in its duty of care, The red regime is not a solution—it’s a symptom of deeper mismanagement. The government must act and remove G4S from HMP Parc before more lives are lost.”
South Wales Police have investigated multiple incidents at the prison, including the assaults on inmates. Meanwhile, calls for the Ministry of Justice to strip G4S of its contract are growing louder.
As tensions boil over inside HMP Parc, the question remains: how many more warnings will it take before meaningful change is enforced?
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