Murderer among latest to die at Parc Prison as fatalities reach nine in two months

Two inmates have died at Bridgend's Parc Prison, bringing the total fatalities to nine in two months.

A HMP Parc spokesperson confirmed the deaths of 73-year-old David Maggs and 19-year-old Michael Horton on Tuesday, 7 May.

Their families and next of kin have been informed.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Their deaths were unrelated. Family Liason Officers are supporting the families.

"As with all deaths in custody, these will be investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman."

Former accountant Mr Maggs was convicted of the murder of his wife, Linda Maggs, whom he stabbed to death at their home in Pontypool in February 2021. She was 74.

South Wales police were called to Parc Prison just after midnight on Tuesday following reports of two "sudden deaths."

According to the police, investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which, they say, "are not believed to be suspicious."

"It will be for HM Coroner to give a determination on the cause of death", the police statement concluded.

In a statement, Ombudsman Adrian Usher said: “The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman investigate deaths in custody. At the time of writing, we are investigating 13 deaths at HMP Parc.

"Two of these deaths sadly occurred on 7 May 2024. As I said in March, I am saddened by this high number, but I am now also concerned by the increase."

He continued: "Our investigations into the two recent deaths have begun, and we will publish our final investigation reports on our website once the inquests conclude. I offer my condolences to the family and friends of those affected.”

It comes after an ITV Cymru Wales interview with a current inmate at Parc Prison in which the jail was described as a "war zone", with prison officers paid to bring in drugs.

An HMP Parc spokesperson has rejected the inmate's claims, saying there are strategies in place to root out drugs and contraband, and adding that the "vast majority of their staff are honest and hardworking."

Six inmates died at Parc between 27 February and 19 March - police believe four of the deaths were drug-related.

Detective Steve Jones said in March that "a fast-track process has been undertaken and identified the presence of nitazene-based substances in connection with all four deaths".The psychoactive substance spice was identified in connection with two of the four deaths.