In an incident at Bridgend’s troubled HMP Parc, a prisoner was taken to hospital after reportedly being slashed in the face. The attack allegedly occurred in the exercise yard, with the assailant said to have used a razor blade attached to a toothbrush, according to a source close to the prison. Two days after the incident on Wednesday, staff were still searching for the makeshift weapon.
G4S, the private security company that operates the prison, declined to comment on the specifics of the claim but indicated that staff responded swiftly and professionally. A spokesperson stated that one prisoner required hospital treatment for minor injuries following an altercation. Despite the injuries not being severe, the inmate was taken to the hospital in a taxi and discharged six hours later.
The prison incident is likely to be referred for a police investigation, although South Wales Police reported no record of the incident on their system yet. This incident is part of a series of troubling events at HMP Parc, including 14 inmate deaths since late February, rioting, staff arrests, and reports of widespread drug activities and corruption.
Furthermore, a recent death at the prison, that of 88-year-old Terrence Hulme who passed away in a local hospital on September 20, has raised further concerns. Last month, four staff members at Parc were arrested on suspicion of assault and misconduct in a public office.
Following these troubling events, Labour MP Ruth Jones announced plans to reopen an inquiry into Welsh prisons, expressing deep concern over the situation at Parc. In response to criticisms, a G4S spokesperson highlighted the prison’s efforts to enact positive changes in various areas over the past four months and invited stakeholders to observe their progress.
As investigations into the incident and the broader issues at HMP Parc continue, concerns persist about the safety and security of inmates in the troubled prison. The call for improved conditions and accountability within the prison system is gaining momentum amidst the ongoing challenges faced by the staff and inmates at HMP Parc.