A true story about why Prision officers shouldn't be armed

 An Account of an Incident at HMP Parc: A Case Against Tasers and Pepper Spray

The following account details an incident that occurred at HMP Parc, offering a perspective on the use of force by prison officers and arguing against the provision of tasers and pepper spray. The narrative is based on a first-person account, aiming to provide clarity and context to the events.

Background and Context

As I  have spent the past 35 years in prison, I have been diagnosed with several conditions, including personality disorder traits, PTSD Type-2 Complex, depression, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. This context is crucial in understanding the potential for heightened emotional responses and the need for sensitive handling in stressful situations.

The Precipitating Incident

On June 6th, I was informed by two administrative officers that my mother's phone number would be removed for eight weeks. This was due to a three-way call with my probation officer, this is because the Hornchurch probation office has a call centre, and states we must press numbers during the call, which cannot be done by the prison telephones. I have been doing this for the last 4-5 years. which was intended to arrange upcoming meetings related to my parole. This initial action caused distress, setting the stage for the subsequent events.

Escalation and Confrontation

Following a series of conflicting updates regarding the reinstatement of the phone number, l sought to speak with a unit manager on Friday, June 13th. I was confronted by two members of staff. I would describe these officers as young and lacking life or prison experience. During this confrontation, I  was given a direct order to return to my cell, and I felt intimidated and threatened.

The Incident and Use of Force

My emotional state deteriorated, leading to self-harm. I cut my wrist, and blood began to flow. In this state, the officers responded by physically engaging with me. the officers began to bring me to the floor, kicking my legs out from under me, and one officer grabbed me by the throat, then the other officers began to pile in.  I  maintained that I was not resisting, but the officers insisted that I was.. After the incident, I was frog-marched to my cell by several officers, while I was still bleeding profusely, and they pushed me in and locked me in my cell before even thinking of first aid for me. Healthcare was provided approximately five minutes later.

Argument Against Tasers and Pepper Spray

The core argument of this account is against the use of tasers and pepper spray by prison officers, and the lack of help and support by officers.. I believe that if these weapons were available, they would have been used in this situation. This account emphasizes that I was in crisis and needed support, not further aggression.

Introduction

In recent years, HMP Parc has faced significant scrutiny due to the alarming number of deaths among its inmates. With 17 deaths reported in 2024 alone, this privately run prison in Bridgend has become a focal point for discussions about prison conditions and the treatment of inmates.

A Call for Review

The statement emphasizes the need for a thorough review of all deaths occurring within HMP Parc. It suggests that many of these tragedies could have been prevented if prison staff had performed their duties effectively. The call to action is clear: families and loved ones of deceased prisoners are urged to come forward and share their experiences.

The Reality of Prison Life

With 35 years of experience behind bars, I  have a deep concern for the treatment of inmates. The assertion is made that wearing a uniform does not grant immunity from accountability. The message is that prison staff must be held responsible for their actions, especially when it comes to the welfare of those in their care.

The Need for Change

The article highlights the importance of addressing the systemic issues within HMP Parc. It points out that many officers have faced suspension, indicating a troubling pattern of misconduct. The call to action encourages families to unite and advocate for their loved ones, ensuring that they are not just seen as numbers in a system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the plea for justice resonates strongly with those affected by the tragedies at HMP Parc. The message is clear: it is time to fight for the rights and dignity of all prisoners. The hope is that by raising awareness and demanding accountability, meaningful changes can be made to prevent further loss of life.

R.I.P. to all those who have passed in HMP Parc and other prisons. Their stories deserve to be heard, and their families deserve justice.

Lifer crying out for help

 

Introduction

In recent years, concerns regarding the treatment of prisoners at HMP Parc have come to the forefront, prompting a campaign aimed at closing the facility due to alleged negligence. This article explores the experiences of a long-term inmate who has raised serious allegations about the conditions within the prison, highlighting the need for reform and accountability.

Personal Testimony

The individual, who has spent 35 years in various prison systems, describes a troubling pattern of treatment at HMP Parc. They express feelings of being constantly misled and subjected to delays in receiving essential items, which has contributed to a sense of dehumanization. The inmate's narrative emphasizes the emotional and physical toll that such treatment can inflict, stating, "I have NEVER been treated like this."

Allegations of Violence and Neglect

A significant aspect of the inmate's testimony involves allegations of physical abuse by staff. They recount instances where staff members have resorted to aggressive tactics, including grabbing inmates by the throat. Such actions raise serious questions about the safety and well-being of prisoners. The inmate also mentions self-harm as a response to the overwhelming frustration caused by their environment, indicating a dire need for mental health support and intervention.

The Role of the PPO

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has been involved in discussions regarding the safety of staff, including proposals for stab-proof vests and stun guns. However, the inmate questions the focus on staff safety at the expense of prisoner welfare. They argue that the emphasis should be on protecting the rights and dignity of inmates, who are often left vulnerable in such environments.

A Call to Action

The inmate urges readers to share their story widely, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. They express concern that this may be their last opportunity to raise awareness about the conditions at HMP Parc. The call to action is clear: support is needed to advocate for change and to hold the prison accountable for its treatment of inmates.

How to Support the Campaign

For those interested in supporting this cause, the inmate encourages individuals to reach out to the governor of HMP Parc. Spreading awareness through social media, community discussions, and contacting relevant authorities can amplify the message and potentially lead to meaningful change.

Here is the email to the number 1 governor, please spread awareness:

Dear Governor Will Styles,

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to you regarding a matter of urgency that requires your immediate attention. I kindly request the preservation of the CCTV footage related to the incident that occurred on Friday, June 13, 2025. This footage is crucial as it documents the events leading up to my self-harm and the subsequent actions of two officers who attempted to restrain me, one of whom placed his hand around my throat.

This request is made under the provisions of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which governs data protection and privacy for individuals within the UK. As you are aware, the UK GDPR came into effect on January 1, 2021, following the UK's exit from the European Union.

To provide context, I initially refused to go to the hospital at 11:30 AM. However, between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, a nurse entered my cell and informed me that I would require stitches. She inquired whether I would agree to go to the hospital, to which I consented, and both she and another staff member, Nina, agreed to facilitate this process.

At approximately 8:00 PM, I pressed my bell to inquire about the hospital arrangements. The staff member, Chris, informed me that "the night staff was going to be sorting it." I pressed my bell again between 8:30 PM and 8:45 PM to follow up, only to be told by the night staff that I would not be going to the hospital as they had not been informed of my situation. They further stated that if I required stitches, it would not be possible that night due to a lack of available staff.

At 9:10 PM, an officer visited my cell and informed me that healthcare would come to see me around 12:00 AM. This healthcare visit merely reiterated what the previous nurse had stated: that I would need stitches, which could not be administered until June 14, 2025.

I urge you to recognize the negligence of duty in this situation. Furthermore, I believe it is imperative that the police are informed of the incident, particularly regarding the officer's actions, which I perceive as an assault.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,

Frankie 

Dear Governor Styles,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to provide further details that I did not include in my previous email. At the time I was being restrained, I had already sustained a cut to my arm, and there was significant bleeding. This should be clearly visible on the CCTV footage.

As the footage will also show, I was then forcibly escorted back to my cell and locked inside immediately after the incident, despite having just injured myself.

Please consider this message an extension of my earlier correspondence.

Additionally, I would like to inform you that I have published an account of this incident, along with a copy of my email, on my personal website.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Frankie

Dear Governor Will Styles,

I hope this email finds you well.

I apologize for the frequency of my correspondence, but I believe it is important to bring to your attention the current situation regarding the healthcare provisions within the facility, particularly in light of my recent experience.

As you are aware, I self-harmed on Friday, June 13, 2025. Between 11:30 and 11:45 AM, I was requested to attend healthcare, which I did. Initially, I refused stitches; however, after discussions with my family, I agreed to be taken to the hospital for treatment around 4:30 to 5:00 PM. Unfortunately, this did not occur.

I am writing to formally request the preservation of the body camera footage from the night orderly and the nurse who attended to me during the visit from 12:15 to 12:25 AM on June 14, 2025. During this interaction, the orderly informed me that another prisoner had priority for hospital transport and that there were insufficient staff to assist me. The nurse indicated on the body camera that I would be a priority for the following morning. However, when I inquired about this the next day, I found that this was not the case.

I kindly ask that you send me the requested body cam and CCTV footage via email at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Frankie

Violent inmate threw faeces and urine at prison officers while laughing

 

Adam Smith, 33, carried out the disgusting acts on staff members at HMP Parc in Bridgend

A violent inmate threw a combination of faeces and urine at officers at a Welsh prison and punched another in the face. His victims were left shaken by the incidents, and were taken to hospital in order to be tested for various conditions.

Adam Smith, 33, was a serving prisoner at HMP Parc in Bridgend when he carried out the disgusting assaults on staff members at the jail. He had been sentenced to six years imprisonment for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard the first assault took place on November 17, 2023, when a prison officer was mingling with inmates. 

The officer felt a wet substance hit the back of his head, and fall down his back and legs.

He described it as "cold, runny wax", and he could smell faeces and urine.

The officer tipped the back of his head to stop liquid getting into his eyes, and was described as "distressed and shaken". He was taken to hospital for a routine check.

Smith was later identified on CCTV and he was also overheard saying "I potted an officer." When confronted, he claimed he had been "paid to do it".

On February 2 last year, another officer was attacked when Smith sprayed the contents of a plastic bottle and was laughing as he did so.

The contents went on the officer's face and upper body and he could smell urine.

The officer slipped on urine on the floor and felt a pain in his leg as he grappled with the defendant, who continued to laugh.

His clothes were wet and his eyes were stinging, and he was required to attend hospital for his eyes to be washed with a syringe. The officer was left "angry and upset" by the incident.

A third officer was assaulted by Smith on March 20 last year when the defendant walked towards him and punched him to the mouth.

The officer slipped on urine on the floor and felt a pain in his leg as he grappled with the defendant, who continued to laugh.

His clothes were wet and his eyes were stinging, and he was required to attend hospital for his eyes to be washed with a syringe. The officer was left "angry and upset" by the incident.

A third officer was assaulted by Smith on March 20 last year when the defendant walked towards him and punched him to the mouth.

In mitigation, David Pinnell said his client had since been diagnosed with ADHD, for which he was now receiving medication, and wanted to reengage with his partner and three children.

Judge Rhys Rowlands sentenced him to a total of 42 months imprisonment, which he will serve consecutively to his current sentence.

'Jealous' man knifed wife more than 25 times as she pushed baby in pram, court told

 According to the mirror

Kulsuma Akter was knifed more than 25 in a 'ferocious attack' in front of her seven-month-old baby while she was pushing the tot in a pram, a court heard

A woman was knifed more than 25 times by her husband in a "ferocious" attack while she was pushing their baby in a pram, a court has heard.

Bradford Crown Court heard Kulsuma Akter, 27, was confronted on the street by Habibur Masum, 26, who tracked her down after she left him and sought refuge from his "violence, jealousy and controlling behaviour". Kulsuma had been walking their baby boy, who was seven months old at the time, when she was attacked and stabbed in public, jurors were told. The alleged incident happened in front of the baby and tragically left the mother dead.

Jurors have heard Ms Akter had been moved from her home in Oldham to a refuge in Bradford in January after telling police Masum had assaulted her, held a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her over a “completely innocuous” message from a male colleague.

Opening the case to jurors on Monday, prosecutor Stephen Wood KC said Masum had tracked his wife to her new accommodation and confronted her while she was walking with their baby in the street, launching a "ferocious and deadly attack".

Pathologist Dr Kirsten Hope said she found 15 stab wounds and at least 11 incised wounds on Kulsuma’s face, body and arms. An incised wound is longer than it is deep, while a stab wound is deeper than it is wide.

Dr Hope said some of the injuries to Kulsuma's arm and hand appeared to be defensive injuries which happened while she was trying to protect her face from the weapon.

She told Bradford Crown Court the cause of death was a wound to Ms Akter’s neck, which penetrated both the windpipe and a major vein, causing massive blood loss. The witness also said that “at least moderate force” would have been used to inflict the injuries.

A statement from PC Christopher Goodwin, who attended the scene, said the knife was found in a car park behind a shop near where the attack had taken place on April 6 last year.

Masum denies murdering Ms Akter but has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and possession of a knife. He also denies two charges of assault, one count of making threats to kill and one charge of stalking.

The trial continues.

Women on Basic regime can keep their TVs

 Woman who are placed on the Basic regime as punishment for breaking prison rules are being allowed to keep their in-cell televisions, in a policy change aimed at preventing self-harm.

The new approach, being trialled at two women’s prisons, marks a significant shift in the approach to prison discipline. The Incentives Policy Framework, which applies to male and female jails in England and Wales, states: “Prisoners on Basic are not permitted in-cell television.” Governors can override this, but only on a case-by-case basis where an individual prisoner is judged to be at risk of suicide or self-harm.

One of the prisons trying the new approach is HMP Styal, in Cheshire. A report on Styal published in March by HM Inspectorate of Prisons noted: “There were 32 women on the Basic regime of the incentives policy. Removal of their TV was punitive, especially given individuals’ mental health problems and having to be locked in their cell for much longer.”

In response to criticisms from the inspectors, HM Prison and Probation Service published an Action Plan for Styal in April. It states that, with immediate effect, “All prisoners, including those in the Care and Separation Unit (CSU) and on basic regime, will have access to a television.”

Styal holds 400 women and recorded 5,262 incidents of self-harm in the past year, meaning it has the second-highest rate among the 12 women’s prisons in England.

The Prison Service told Inside Time that Styal and one other unnamed women’s prison have changed their policies to permit women on Basic to keep their TVs. It said the approach was justified due to the high rate of self-harm across women’s jails, which is eight times higher than in the men’s estate. No male jails allow prisoners on Basic to keep their TVs.

My View.

This article is one from The Inside Times. and it really got my back up, this is sexual discrimination. Male young offenders who are on Basic, are NOT allowed their TVs, so why are women

 

Introduction

In recent discussions surrounding the state of governance, a notable sentiment has emerged: distrust in the authorities. This has led to the suggestion of establishing a new prison, tentatively named HMP Affairs, as a response to the perceived failures of current governance.

The Context of Distrust

The phrase "Oh my god, we cannot even trust the governors now" reflects a growing frustration among the public. Many citizens feel that their leaders are not fulfilling their responsibilities, leading to calls for accountability and reform. This sentiment is not isolated; it resonates with various communities who seek a more transparent and effective governance system.

The Concept of HMP Affairs

The idea of HMP Affairs serves as a metaphorical and literal space for addressing issues of governance. Here are some key points regarding this concept:

1. Accountability: HMP Affairs could symbolize a place where those in power are held accountable for their actions.
2. Reform: It may serve as a catalyst for discussions on necessary reforms within the justice and governance systems.
3. Public Engagement: The establishment of such a prison could encourage public discourse on governance and the role of leaders.

Conclusion

While the notion of HMP Affairs may seem unconventional, it highlights a critical conversation about trust and accountability in governance. As society grapples with these issues, the idea serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and reform in leadership roles. Engaging in discussions about such concepts can pave the way for a more trustworthy and effective governance system.

This ongoing dialogue invites everyone to share their views and contribute to shaping a better future. What are your thoughts on this idea?

Corrupt prison governor jailed for nine years

A former prison governor has been imprisoned for nine years having been found guilty of misconduct in a public office.

The 42-year-old woman had been caught in a relationship with a drug dealer serving a sentence in the prison where she was in charge, which continued after his release. She had been part of the Prison Service graduate programme, and was fast-tracked to a governor’s role within six years, being seen as a star.

Whilst working as governor, the pair frequently locked themselves in her office. She arranged for him to have early release. He had formed an anti-drug campaign called BADD, and her defence was that all of their contact was to discuss that. However, once the man was released from jail he returned to drug dealing.

He gifted her a £12,000 Mercedes which he received as payment for a major drug deal. She denied the car was hers, even though it was parked outside her house and registered in her name and address. She claimed size 10 flip-flops with his DNA, which were found in her bedroom, had been used by her at work where he perhaps touched them, and a toothbrush with his DNA had been used by him whilst inside. She had high, undeclared, debts.

The man is back inside serving 35 years, having been caught when the encrypted texting service he used was decoded by the police. Her involvement then came to light.

After pleading not guilty to all charges, the governor was convicted in April of three counts of misconduct in a public office and one of being found with the proceeds of crime. Inside Time understands she was suspended from work once arrested in 2020, but resigned before disciplinary action, taking a job with a Wigan charity which suspended her once she was charged.

The Ministry of Justice would not comment on the disciplinary process, but gave us the following statement from Phil Copple, CEO of HM Prison & Probation Service: “This case of criminal misconduct has let down the public we serve. But it also proves we will always take robust action against those who fail to achieve proper professional standards. Today’s result is a prime example of the strong relationship between the police and our Counter Corruption Unit, and their tireless work to root out individuals who think rules do not apply to them.”