Ross Appleby tragically passed away at HMP Parc in Bridgend, and his mother, Claire Appleby Jones, is seeking answers about the circumstances leading up to his death. Ross was a father of three and had been held at Parc for drug-dealing offenses. Claire shared that Ross had been targeted by other inmates at the prison, including being brutally stabbed, months before his death. She criticized the lack of support from the prison, stating that Parc was an “absolute disgrace.” There have been concerns about multiple deaths at HMP Parc, with some suspected to be drug-related incidents. Former inmates and officers have raised issues about G4S losing control at the institution, leading to drugs and violence running rampant.
Claire recounted the horrific ordeal her son faced at Parc, including being assaulted and not receiving adequate support for his mental health. She described the challenges he faced on B wing, which was known for its drug problems and lack of supervision. Claire detailed an incident where Ross was stabbed in his cell, with the emergency buzzer reportedly turned off. Despite his calls for help, it took over an hour for assistance to arrive, and his assailant was never caught. She expressed concerns about the lack of support for Ross’s autism diagnosis while in prison, as he was locked up for long hours without access to essential facilities. Claire also shared her son’s behavioral changes and the night of his death, where his cellmate tried to raise an alarm but faced challenges due to the buzzer being turned off.
Claire expressed disbelief when the prison informed her that Ross died from a lethal spice overdose, as he did not have a history of extreme drug use. She highlighted the unanswered questions surrounding his demise, including faulty emergency buzzers, inadequate mental health support, and the presence of contraband in the prison. She paid an emotional tribute to Ross, describing him as funny, caring, and artistic, with aspirations to start a fencing business with his brother after his release. Claire emphasized Ross’s struggles with his autism diagnosis and his desire to overcome challenges. She continues to seek accountability and transparency regarding the circumstances leading to her son’s untimely death.
The prison’s response to Ross’s death and the concerns raised by Claire have sparked a broader discussion about the conditions at HMP Parc and the role of private security firms in managing prisons. The series of sudden deaths at the institution, some suspected to be drug-related, have raised alarms about the safety and security of inmates. Claire’s determination to seek justice for her son and push for reforms at Parc reflects the urgent need for improved support for vulnerable inmates and stricter oversight of prison facilities. The tragic loss of Ross and other inmates underlines the importance of addressing mental health concerns, violence, and drug-related issues within the prison system to prevent further tragedies.
