Video shows officer punching suspect

Police officer PC Richard Williams filmed punching 34-year-old Steven Clark nine times in the head during a May 2023 arrest in Porthmadog, North Wales.

“when he tried to break into house”

Officer cleared of misconduct

PC Richard Williams was cleared of misconduct after a five-day hearing found the nine allegations against him not proven.

Officer claims distraction strikes

Williams said he used 'distraction strikes' to gain control after Clark resisted arrest, claiming he had rugby-tackled a female officer.

Clark described choking

Clark said he couldn't breathe and Williams was choking him while punching him repeatedly during the arrest.

Clark had nerve damage

Clark told the panel he had nerve damage in his right arm from a motorcycle accident, making certain movements painful.

Clark requested handcuffs

Clark asked officers to handcuff him with arms in front of his body due to his nerve damage but his request was not followed.

Clark's injuries visible

A separate clip shows Clark being led to a police van with his eye and face visibly swollen after the arrest.

Officer defended actions

Williams said his intention was to briefly distract Clark to move to a ground pin without using one punch.

Crown court cleared

Williams was cleared of intentional strangulation and assault causing actual bodily harm at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Officer returns to duties

PC Williams is expected to return to full duties with North Wales Police after the misconduct case concluded.

Police chief comments

Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison said both the criminal investigation and misconduct process had now concluded.

Public scrutiny acknowledged

Harrison added that police officers regularly face dangerous situations and public scrutiny should be balanced with recognition of their challenges.

Officer's safety concerns

Williams said he was concerned for his safety and his colleague's safety during the confrontation with Clark.

Clark's memory of incident

Clark described his body feeling like jelly with Williams twisting his neck right back and one officer sitting on him.

Investigation completed

The case followed an Independent Office for Police Conduct-led investigation and criminal proceedings at Crown Court.

Case closed

With misconduct allegations dismissed and the criminal case concluded, PC Williams is expected to return to full duties with North Wales Police.