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Man who murdered his wife and teenager latest to die at Welsh prison
(HTM) Source
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A man who murdered his wife and a teenager are the latest deaths at a
Welsh prison where nine inmates have died in just over two months.
David Maggs, 73, and Michael Horton, 19, died within an hour of each
other at HMP Parc in Bridgend, South Wales, on Tuesday.They are the
eighth and ninth deaths at the prison since February 27, reports PA.
Maggs, a retired accountant, was jailed in 2022 for stabbing his wife,
Linda Maggs, more than 15 times with a kitchen knife while she was
lying in bed.
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A spokesperson for G4S, which runs the prison, has said the deaths in
the jail are unrelated. An investigation will now be carried out by
the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
Politicians in the Senedd have said the situation in the prison is now
"getting out of control".
A spokeswoman for the Bridgend-based prison said: "Mr David Maggs,
aged 73, passed away on Tuesday May 7. His next of kin has been
informed and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
"Mr Michael Horton, aged 19, passed away on Tuesday May 7. His next of
kin has been informed and our thoughts are with his loved ones. Their
deaths were unrelated.
"Family liaison officers are supporting the families. As with all
deaths in custody, these will be investigated by the Prisons and
Probation Ombudsman."
A police spokesman said: "South Wales Police was called between
12.20am and 12.55am on Tuesday May 7, with reports of two sudden
deaths at HMP Parc of a 73-year-old man and a 19-year-old man.
"Investigations are continuing into the circumstances surrounding the
deaths. However, at this time they are not believed to be suspicious.
It will be for HM Coroner to give a determination on the cause of
death."
South Wales Police has previously said that four of the previous
deaths were believed to be drug-related, with inmates urged to dispose
of any substances they have.
Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Sarah Murphy, Labour MS for
Bridgend, suggested that with two further deaths at the prison, the
situation was "getting out of control".
In reply, the Trefnydd - leader of the house - and chief whip Jane
Hutt said the deaths at the prison are "very sad and tragic for their
families".
She added: "You recognise the operational responsibility for the
running of the prison is the responsibility of the UK Government and
not devolved to Wales but we work very closely with the HM Prison
Service and Probation Service with devolved areas, such as health and
social care, where we do have responsibilities.
"I would like to reassure Sarah Murphy that the Welsh Government,
Public Health Wales and HM Prison and Probation Service have met and
discussed the tragic deaths and an agreed set of actions is being
taken forward to help mitigate the risk of future harm."
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