An investigation has been launched into the death of Gareth Bird, a prolific criminal with convictions for more than 130 offences, who died at HMP Berwyn in north Wales on October 17. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) confirmed the death of Bird, who previously lived in Wrexham. He was 47.
Background and Criminal Record
Bird, of Crescent Close, Wrexham, was last jailed in September 2025 after he and another man robbed a man they wrongly thought was a drug dealer. Bird cut the victim's face, with the judge branding their behaviour "wicked". He was jailed for eight years for that offence.
In January 2020, he was jailed for three years and nine months for stealing from a 68-year-old terminally-ill brain cancer patient after entering the man's home just before Christmas.
Investigation by the Ombudsman
The PPO will now investigate the circumstances of his death, as is standard practice for people who die while in custody. Their role is to investigate issues that may be related to someone's death, including how their physical or mental health, suicide, self-harm and substance misuse risks have been managed.
After being told about a death in custody, they put a named investigator in charge of the investigation. They will find out as much as possible about what happened to the person before their death, including looking at all relevant records and policies, together with interviews with relevant staff and prisoners or residents if required, reports North Wales Live.
Next Steps and Report
They will also assist any inquest proceedings. A final report on the death will be made public after the inquest is completed.
The PPO said: "The reason we investigate a death is to understand what happened leading up to the death and identify any learning for the organisations involved. We'll write a report when we have finished our investigation and if appropriate, we'll make recommendations for improvement."
