A 51-YEAR-OLD inmate has died at HMP Parc in Bridgend, marking the 16th confirmed death at the prison this year.
David Ridgeway, who was serving a sentence at the Category B facility, passed away on Monday, 7th October. The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed, nor has the offence for which he was imprisoned. As with all deaths in custody, the incident will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, with a coroner set to determine the cause.
HMP Parc, which is run by private security firm G4S, has been the subject of mounting scrutiny following a series of deaths and incidents within the prison this year. This most recent fatality brings the total to 16 since late February, prompting concerns about conditions at the facility.
The prison has faced allegations of drug use, understaffing, and violent incidents, with calls for increased oversight. Last month, four members of staff were arrested on suspicion of misconduct and assault, further fuelling controversy surrounding the institution. An inquiry into Welsh prisons is now set to be re-opened as the issue of deaths in custody remains a key focus for authorities.
Labour MP Ruth Jones, chairwoman-elect of the UK Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Committee, has expressed concern over the situation at Parc, calling the string of deaths “very concerning” and pledging that the committee will revisit its inquiry into the state of Welsh prisons.
A spokesperson for HMP Parc confirmed Ridgeway’s death, stating: “We are saddened to confirm that Mr David Ridgeway, aged 51, passed away on Monday, 7th October 2024. As with all deaths in custody, this will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, and the cause of death is for the coroner to determine.”
G4S, which took steps to replace the prison’s director earlier this year, has not commented on the string of deaths at the facility in 2024. The company has faced increasing pressure to address the ongoing issues at the prison, which has been plagued by reports of drug use, violence, and poor mental health support among inmates.
As inquiries continue, the spotlight remains firmly on HMP Parc, with many demanding greater accountability and reform within the troubled facility.
