Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
James Kerr a convicted murderer serving his sentence in jail has been given an eight-year sentence for holding another prisoner hostage by holding a razor to his throat while demanding a move another prison.
James Kerr, 42, was a serving prisoner at HMP Parc in Bridgend when in June 2021 he tied up fellow inmate with shoelaces and threatened him with a makeshift weapon. A prison officer was alerted to the situation and went to the cell in order to speak with Kerr. When he saw the scene that confronted him, the officer said he "felt sick with dread".
Kerr told the prison officer he wanted to transfer to another prison.
He then continued to violently threaten his hostage with a makeshift knife.
The hostage situation lasted for an hour. Officers entered the cell with a shield and took Kerr to the segregation unit.
Detective Chief Inspector Dean Taylor commented:
“Our Crime in Prison Team continue to work with our partners in HMP Parc & HMPPS & to tackle violent crime, even in the prison estate. This sentence will act as a deterrent to even those incarcerated that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Janet Wallsgrove, Director at HMP Parc, said:
"The safety of prisoners and staff is our number one priority and we will always push for the strongest possible sanctions against those who wish to do them harm.
“We would like to thank the police for their ongoing support on this matter and will continue to work closely with them.”
Kerr pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and two counts off possessing an unauthorised item in a prison. He was sentenced to eight years and three months imprisonment.