Officer cleared of assault still faces misconduct charges
PC Richard Williams was acquitted but faces eight misconduct allegations over Steven Clark's May 2023 arrest.
A North Wales Police officer appeared at a misconduct hearing accused of using unreasonable force during an arrest. PC Richard Williams was cleared of assault and intentional strangulation after a trial in 2025, but police misconduct investigators say his conduct that day was excessive.
The hearing saw body-worn camera footage and mobile phone video from the incident in Porthmadog, Gwynedd. Williams is accused of putting Steven Clark in a headlock and punching him nine times in the head.
He also allegedly used too much incapacitant spray. He is accused of throwing or dropping Clark into a police van.
He denies wrongdoing. Clark was 34 at the time.
Police had been called to a domestic argument. He had been reported as off his head on drugs.
- Misconduct charges against PC Williams
- Eight allegations
- Alleged strikes to Clark's head or face
- Nine punches
Why it mattersThis case shows how police accountability works. Someone can be cleared in court but still face misconduct findings.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the case mirrors debates about police use of force in Australian jurisdictions, and shows how oversight works in Commonwealth police forces.
Corroborated bywalesonline.co.uk
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 10 d ago
