A WHISTLEBLOWER has alleged that a senior officer at HMP Parc made violent threats against prison reform campaigner Zack Griffiths during a formal job interview.
The comments, which included claims that officers “up and down the country” were “ready to kill” Mr Griffiths, were allegedly made in May during an interview for the role of prison officer. The whistleblower, Kirsten Myles, says the officer also falsely claimed that Mr Griffiths was a registered sex offender.
According to the testimony, when challenged by another staff member, the officer doubled down on the remarks and responded with “visible hostility,” reportedly saying: “F* no**,” when asked if Mr Griffiths was currently housed at Parc.
Ms Myles shared the statement publicly via a redacted document and a post in the HMP Prisons Justice Group, a Facebook group with over 6,000 members. She claimed she withdrew from the application process as a result of what she witnessed, stating: “I cannot, in good conscience, work within a system where such behaviour is displayed without accountability.”
Zack Griffiths held at HMP Swansea
Zack Griffiths, 35, is a former inmate at HMP Parc who has since become a prominent campaigner for prison reform. He is currently in custody at HMP Swansea following his recall to prison earlier this year.
He previously served a sentence after sharing a video from inside Parc Prison, which showed a violent restraint involving a staff member. In April, he was arrested again while attending Cardiff Crown Court. Charges of malicious communications have since been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, but one charge relating to the unauthorised prison footage remains active.
Griffiths founded the HMP Prisons Justice Group and has led protests outside Parc highlighting concerns over inmate deaths, drug abuse, and alleged staff misconduct.
Prison responds: Claims ‘unsubstantiated’
HMP Parc has issued a formal response denying the whistleblower’s claims. In a brief statement to The Herald, a prison spokesperson said: “Ms Myles’ claims have been thoroughly investigated and found to be unsubstantiated.”
G4S also say that Ms Myles was not withdrawn from the recruitment process as she claimed.
G4S added: “Ms Myles was unsuccessful in her application and did not withdraw from the process voluntarily. This decision was made prior to her raising concerns.”
Growing scrutiny at HMP Parc
HMP Parc, operated by private security firm G4S, has been subject to growing scrutiny over the past year. At least 25 inmates are believed to have died in the prison since 2023. Several staff are under investigation or have been arrested in connection with ongoing misconduct allegations.
The Herald understands that formal complaints have been lodged regarding the comments alleged in the leaked statement. Ms Myles’ post online has drawn significant attention and reignited debate about the culture and accountability of privately run prisons.
Campaigners express concern
Tom Blewitt of UK Prisons for Justice told The Herald: “We are deeply concerned after hearing the remarks senior officers at HMP Parc have made regarding Zack.
“These comments show a total lack of regard for his welfare.
“As a group, we are worried for his safety and hearing this only intensifies that concern.”
