North Wales Police officer cleared of misconduct

A North Wales Police officer has been cleared of gross misconduct following an investigation into an arrest made in Porthmadog in May 2023. PC Richard Williams faced eight allegations of gross misconduct after footage surfaced showing him punching a suspect, Steven Clark, multiple times during an attempted arrest.

Prior to the misconduct hearing, PC Williams was found not guilty of criminal charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation following a seven-day trial at Caernarfon Crown Court. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) had directed the misconduct proceedings after the initial criminal case concluded.

A misconduct panel determined that the allegations against PC Williams were not proven. Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison stated that the matter is now at an end and expressed anticipation for the officer to return to full duties, noting the difficult circumstances and dangers officers face daily.