A North Wales police officer has been cleared of all charges after a video showing him punching a suspect multiple times went viral, leading to accusations of excessive force.
The shocking footage, which depicted PC Richard Williams landing at least nine punches on a man in Porthmadog, quickly garnered 500,000 views.
The incident led to calls from politicians for an investigation into whether the officer’s actions were too violent.
Despite the uproar, a jury has now acquitted him on charges of assault causing actual bodily harm and intentional strangulation.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
The viral video captured PC Williams and his colleague, PC Einir Williams, attempting to arrest Steven Clark in May 2023.
In the clip, the officer can be seen throwing punches as he tries to subdue Clark, who had allegedly assaulted his female colleague.
The footage shocked viewers, with one bystander calling out in horror, “Stop resisting!”
The video quickly spread across social media, igniting widespread debate about police brutality.
In response, political figures, including a Conservative Senedd member, called for immediate action and an independent review of the arrest.
The Officer’s Defense: Protecting a Colleague
During his trial, PC Williams explained his actions, saying that he was trying to protect PC Einir Williams after the suspect allegedly tackled her to the ground.
The 43-year-old officer, who has served with North Wales Police for over two decades, described the moment as a “split-second” decision.
He told the jury that he was concerned for his colleague’s safety and reacted instinctively.
“I was acting in her defense,” he explained, emphasizing that he was not intending to use excessive force.
What Happened During the Arrest
According to PC Williams, the situation escalated when Clark appeared to be under the influence of drugs and was resisting arrest.
He said Clark had been “very strong” and was pulling away, making it difficult for him to control the situation.
In his testimony, Williams explained that he had placed Clark in a headlock to keep him grounded while trying to restrain him.
As for the punches, he claimed they were “distraction strikes” meant to help him gain control of the suspect.
The Viral Video’s Impact
The video, which was taken by a neighbor and posted online, caught the attention of the public, sparking debates over police conduct.
In the footage, Clark can be heard groaning and incoherently protesting as PC Williams delivers the blows.
The video also captured the voice of a woman calling out in disbelief, “Oh my God!” as the officer continued to restrain Clark.
Public Outcry and Political Reactions
Following the release of the video, many expressed outrage.
Gareth Davies, a Conservative Senedd member, labeled the footage “police brutality” in a tweet that caught widespread attention.
He demanded an investigation into the incident, questioning whether the officer’s actions were appropriate.
Meanwhile, Liz Saville Roberts, MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, joined other political figures in calling for a deeper inquiry into the use of force during the arrest.
The Trial and Jury’s Verdict
At Caernarfon Crown Court, the jury ultimately found PC Williams not guilty of all charges after considering the evidence presented.
Williams had maintained that his actions were necessary given the circumstances of the arrest and the threat posed by Clark.
In addition, it was revealed that this was the second officer from North Wales Police to be acquitted of assault charges in recent weeks.
The local Police Federation praised the verdict, stating that the officers had been “vindicated” and highlighting the difficult decisions officers must make in high-pressure situations.
What’s Next for PC Williams?
While PC Williams has been cleared of criminal charges, the incident may not be entirely behind him.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an investigation into the use of force and referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service, which ultimately decided to proceed with the trial.
Following the acquittal, IOPC director Derrick Campbell acknowledged that the case had been properly tested in court.
However, there may still be misconduct proceedings against PC Williams, depending on the outcome of further investigations.
A Pattern of Acquittals in Recent Weeks
The acquittal of PC Williams follows a similar decision in the case of PC Ellis Thomas, who was also cleared of assault charges.
In that case, Thomas was accused of kneeing a teenager during an arrest, but he was found not guilty after the jury accepted his version of events.
The string of acquittals has been a relief for the officers involved and their supporters, who have emphasized the challenges police face when making split-second decisions in high-stress situations.
Police Federation’s Response
In response to the two recent acquittals, the North Wales Police Federation expressed its support for the officers involved.
General Secretary Lewis Davies said that the verdicts had come as a huge relief to the officers, their families, and the wider police community.
He also highlighted the difficult nature of police work, where officers must act quickly to protect both themselves and the public.
The outcome of these cases underscores the ongoing debate about the use of force by police officers and the scrutiny they face when controversial incidents occur.
While the acquittals in these cases have cleared the officers of wrongdoing, the broader questions around policing practices and accountability remain in the spotlight.