A prolific Wrexham criminal with more than 130 convictions has died in prison, prompting an official investigation into the circumstances. Gareth Bird, formerly of Crescent Close in Wrexham, passed away at HMP Berwyn on October 17 at the age of 47, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has confirmed.
Background of offences
Bird was most recently sentenced in September 2025 to eight years in prison for robbery. He and an accomplice had robbed a man they mistakenly believed to be a drug dealer, with Bird slashing the victim's face. The presiding judge described the conduct as "wicked".
Earlier, in January 2020, Bird received a three-year and nine-month prison term for stealing from a 68-year-old terminally ill brain cancer patient, having entered the man's home just before Christmas.
Investigation into death
The PPO will now carry out an investigation, as is standard procedure for all deaths in custody. The inquiry can examine matters that may be connected to the death, including how risks related to physical or mental health, suicide, self-harm, and substance misuse were managed.
Upon notification of a death in custody, a named investigator is appointed to lead the inquiry. They gather information about the individual's circumstances before death, examine relevant records and policies, and conduct interviews with staff and fellow prisoners where necessary. They also support the Coroner's inquest, and a final report will be published once the inquest has concluded.
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."
