Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Ryan Harding Prevention of future deaths report

Ref: 2026-0054 Date: 4 Feb 2026 Coroner: David Regan Area: South Wales Central Responses identified: 1 / 1 View PDF

Inadequate prison infrastructure allows illicit materials to enter. Scheduled welfare checks were also frequently delayed or missed due to staffing shortages.

Date 4 Feb 2026

56-day deadline 3 Apr 2026

Responses identified 1 of 1

Alcohol, drug and medication related deaths Wales prevention of future deaths reports (2019 onwards)

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

Inadequate prison infrastructure allows illicit materials to enter. Scheduled welfare checks were also frequently delayed or missed due to staffing shortages.

View full coroner's concerns

(3) The inquest heard evidence that the windows of Alpha and Bravo blocks did in 2023 and continue to require upgrading in order to reduce the ability of illicit materials including drugs and mobile phones to enter the prison.

(3) The gate house continues to require upgrading to enable enhanced security to be afforded to reduce the ability of illicit materials including drugs and mobile phones to enter the prison.

(3) On the morning of 8th January 2023, the scheduled morning welfare check did not take place. The evidence of officers was that this was delayed for lack of a staff member and had been delayed on other occasions.

Responses

1 respondent

HM Prison Parc

PDF

Action Taken

HM Prison Parc states it cannot upgrade windows or the gatehouse as this is the landlord's responsibility. However, it has implemented new procedures for welfare checks, including a separate logbook, rolled out staff training, and embedded a database form for debriefing staff on issues. (AI summary)

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

A Coronial investigation was commenced on 3rd February 2023 into the death of Ryan Harding. The Investigation concluded at the end of an inquest which I conducted with a jury on 19th – 28th January 2026. The conclusion of the jury was that Mr Harding’s death was drug related. The medical cause of death was 1(a) Sudden unexpected death in a

Phone/Ffôn (01443) 281100 Fax/Ffacs (01443) 485862 man with epilepsy (following head injury), and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, who had ingested receptor agonists, .

Circumstances of the death

These were recorded as:-

“Ryan Harding died between 7th – 8th January 2023 in his cell overnight, as a result of consuming drugs.”

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Similar PFD reports

Shared signals

Related inquiry recommendations

Similar themes

Billy Wright Inquiry HMP Maghaberry lessons learned

Report details

Reference: 2026-0054
Date of report: 4 February 2026
Coroner: David Regan
Coroner area: South Wales Central

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 1

All listed responses identified

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 3 Apr 2026.

Sent to

Governor of HM Prison Parc

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.