A police officer has asserted he “did nothing wrong” during an arrest in May 2023 where he repeatedly punched a man while holding him in a headlock. PC Richard Williams is currently facing a misconduct hearing concerning eight allegations of using unreasonable force during the incident in Porthmadog, Gwynedd. He was previously acquitted of assault and intentional strangulation charges following a trial at Caernarfon Crown Court in 2025.
Background to the Arrest
PC Williams, along with another officer, PC Einir Williams, responded to a report of a domestic argument at a housing estate. According to PC Williams, they were informed that the individual, Steven Clark, was under the influence of cannabis and amphetamines and had a history of making threats, including with a knife. Bodycam footage and videos captured by neighbours showed the confrontation unfolding in a front garden.
Officer’s Account of the Incident
During the misconduct hearing in Colwyn Bay, PC Williams presented his defence, explaining his actions during the arrest of Mr. Clark, who was 34 at the time. The officer stated that Mr. Clark was actively resisting arrest and had “rugby tackled” PC Einir Williams to the ground. “He is resisting arrest. I needed to get him to the ground to gain some control,” PC Williams told the panel. He explained that the headlock was employed to facilitate getting Mr. Clark to the ground.
Justification for Strikes
PC Williams further testified that Mr. Clark continued to resist, and the officer expressed concern that Mr. Clark might escape the headlock. He noted that his position prevented him from accessing his Taser or incapacitating spray. “I thought my best option would be distraction strikes,” he stated. He clarified that he used his left hand for these strikes, acknowledging that his position limited leverage and power. “My intent was to distract Steven Clark to move to a ground pin,” PC Williams said. “I didn’t want to use one punch, as it would give him time to react.”
Outcome and Officer’s Perspective
The officer reported that Mr. Clark ceased physically resisting after the punches were administered. PC Williams denied that his response was excessive or intended as punishment for Mr. Clark’s resistance. When questioned about his actions after reviewing the video footage, he maintained, “I was doing the best I could in a difficult situation. I do not feel that I did anything wrong.”
Additional Misconduct Allegations
Beyond the punches, PC Williams faces further misconduct charges related to the use of the headlock, the alleged unreasonable use of incapacitant spray, and an incident where Mr. Clark was reportedly thrown or dropped into the back of a police van. The hearing is ongoing, with further proceedings expected to clarify the details surrounding these additional allegations.
Legal Proceedings and Context
The current misconduct hearing follows a significant legal process. In 2025, PC Williams stood trial at Caernarfon Crown Court, where he was ultimately cleared of charges including assault and intentional strangulation. The evidence presented at the misconduct hearing includes the bodycam footage and neighbour recordings, which provide visual documentation of the arrest sequence. The defence has emphasized the challenging circumstances and the need for immediate control during a volatile arrest situation.
Conclusion of the Hearing
The misconduct hearing aims to determine whether PC Williams breached the standards of professional behaviour expected of police officers. The panel is tasked with evaluating the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence, including the officer’s own testimony. The outcome will depend on whether the panel finds the force used to be reasonable and proportionate given the circumstances described by PC Williams and depicted in the available footage. The proceedings are continuing, and a final determination is pending.
