A police officer has been charged today following footage that emerged of him putting a suspect in a chokehold during an arrest.
PC Richard Williams, 42, will appear in court following a watchdog probe after he was seen repeatedly punching the man as he tried to apprehend him.
Footage showed the suspect appearing to be placed in a chokehold around the neck before the officer delivered a series of blows to his face.
Williams, who has been suspended by the North Wales Police force, is facing two charges and will appear in front of Magistrates next week.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said he is accused of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and non-fatal strangulation.
The IOPC said: ‘The charges relate to force used during the arrest of a man in Porthmadog.
‘The incident took place on 10 May 2023 in the garden of a property in the town.
‘The IOPC’s investigation began the same month after a referral was submitted by North Wales Police.
‘At the end of our investigation in November, we sent a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has since authorised the charges against the officer.
‘North Wales Police has informed us that the officer remains suspended.’
The watchdog had previously announced it was investigating the officer for both potential criminal actions and gross misconduct.
Speaking in June, IOPC Director David Ford said: ‘There has been considerable interest and public concern over the footage shared widely on social media, which shows some of the interaction between police officers and the man being arrested.
‘We are progressing our investigation in a thorough and timely manner, carefully securing and examining a range of evidence to establish what took place during the whole incident.
‘Based on the evidence we have reviewed so far, we have notified a police constable that they are under criminal investigation and have served them a gross misconduct notice.
‘This does not necessarily mean that criminal or disciplinary proceedings will follow. We understand the officer has been suspended by North Wales Police.
‘We have also served a misconduct notice on another police constable concerning the level of care provided to the man after his arrest.’
The footage showed the arrested man with his eye and face visibly swollen following the arrest in Porthmadog, North Wales.
Speaking at the time, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: ‘The video that is circulating of the arrest of a male in Porthmadog is concerning.
‘As Police and Crime Commissioner, I take such incidents seriously and will work with the police and other bodies to understand the circumstances behind the footage and act accordingly when the facts are established.’
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
