Following the deaths of six inmates at HMP Parc in Bridgend over a period of three weeks, an investigation has been launched. The facility is run by security firm G4S, who confirmed that the deaths took place between 27 February and 19 March. Two of the deceased prisoners have been identified as John Rose and Jason Hussey, who both died on the same day. The remaining inmates are due to be named in the coming days.
The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will lead the investigation. Adrian Usher, the Ombudsman, acknowledged the gravity of the situation: “I am very concerned about the number of deaths which have occurred in such a short space of time and I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of those affected. However we are not making any assumptions and we are keeping an open mind as to whether or not there is a causal link behind these deaths.” He added that his team had begun the work of gathering evidence and that they would work closely with HMP Parc.
An HMP Parc spokesperson expressed condolences to the families and friends of the recently deceased prisoners and confirmed that an investigation would take place, as is standard practice in these cases. Mr Usher could provide no further information at present due to the inquest, but pledged public reports once the investigations have concluded.
The situation at HMP Parc has been noted with alarm by prison reform campaigners who have long complained about the record levels of violence and chief officer shortages at the facility. The recent deaths will add to the growing calls for prison reform in the UK
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