Tenth Inmate Death at HMP Parc Spurs Investigation and Protests

BRIDGEND, WALES – A 38-year-old inmate, Warren Manners, has died at HMP Parc prison, marking the tenth death in the facility in just over three months. HMP Parc, operated by private security firm G4S, is under scrutiny with allegations of drug use, violence, and corruption.

Manners’ death on May 29 is under investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, with the cause to be determined by the coroner. G4S expressed condolences to Manners’ family and friends.

A recent protest by grieving families outside the prison called for G4S to be stripped of its £400 million contract. Demonstrators highlighted issues such as drugs and corruption within the institution.

Investigations have revealed four out of nine recent sudden deaths at the prison are likely drug-related, with synthetic opioids like Nitazene and spice identified in some cases. Additionally, there are claims of inmates using mobile phones illegally and sharing photos on social media.

Four individuals, including a 36-year-old prison employee, have been arrested in connection with smuggling contraband into the prison. Despite these controversies, the UK Government has issued an improvement notice to G4S, maintaining that the prison’s overall performance is deemed “reasonably good” based on a 2022 inspection.

Following historical issues at other G4S-managed facilities, calls for the Prison Service to take over HMP Parc have been echoed by MPs in Parliament. G4S reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and collaboration with police and prison service teams to combat internal corruption.

Key Points:

  • Warren Manners, the tenth inmate to die at HMP Parc in over three months.
  • The death is under investigation, with the cause pending coroner’s report.
  • Protests demanded the end of G4S’s management due to alleged mismanagement and drug issues.
  • Four deaths linked to drug-related causes; one prison employee among recent arrests for contraband smuggling.
  • Calls for the UK Government to consider taking over the prison management.