Director stands down at prison where ten inmates have died
The change in director at Parc comes amid a spate of deaths in just four months
Last updated 4th Jun 2024
The director of a prison that has seen 10 deaths since the start of the year has stood down.
Heather Whitehead, who has been prison director since August 2023 has left her role after a "mutual agreement" with G4S; Will Styles will take over the role.
In a statement, G4S who run's Parc Prison in Bridgend said: “Will Styles has been appointed as the new Director of HMP & YOI Parc.
"Will has over 30 years’ experience in the prison service having led a number of large, complex prisons, both public and private and served four years as a Prison Group Director for the Long Term and High Security Estate.”
The change in director is the latest update in a period of turbulence at the prison after the number of inmates who have died there this year hit double figures last week.
At least four of those deaths have been linked to drugs.
On the 3rd of June, a former prison officer pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges and misconduct in a public office.
30-year-old Jodie Beer from Llanharry was working as a prison officer at Parc until her arrest in February 2022.
The investigation was carried out by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales
Detective Inspector Jason Meadows, of Tarian ROCU, said: “The overwhelming majority of prison staff carry out their duties to the highest standards, and the actions of the minority who engage in illicit behaviour should not detract from the efforts and dedication of the former.
“We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who engage in criminal activities and threaten the security of our prisons.”
Beer is due to be sentenced in August 2024.