A North Wales Police constable is undergoing a formal misconduct hearing after allegations that he used unreasonable force multiple times during the arrest of a suspect, including striking him nine times in the head while applying a neck hold.
PC Richard Williams faces eight allegations stemming from the May 2023 arrest of Steven Clark in Porthmadog, Gwynedd. The hearing, which began on Monday, 14 September 2026, is being presided over by North Wales Police Assistant Chief Constable Gareth Evans and is expected to run for five days. Williams denies all wrongdoing.
The officer was previously acquitted in criminal court. Following a seven-day trial in Caernarfon in 2025, Williams was cleared of assault and intentional strangulation charges. However, the misconduct process operates under a different standard and examines whether his conduct breached professional standards, regardless of criminal guilt.
What does the force allege?
The North Wales Police case against Williams centres on his conduct during the arrest following a domestic violence call. According to the force, he breached professional standards on use of force, authority, respect and courtesy, and discreditable conduct.
Body-worn camera footage and mobile phone video recorded by onlookers were presented to the hearing panel. The allegations include using handcuffs to inflict pain on Clark's wrist, applying a headlock described as unreasonable, and striking the suspect repeatedly. The hearing was told Williams punched Clark nine times in rapid succession in the face or head, with no pause between blows.
Clark, who was 34 at the time of the arrest, reported he could not breathe during the incident and later suggested during police interview that he was losing consciousness. A woman who called police had told officers Clark was under the influence of cannabis and possibly other drugs.
Additional allegations involve the use or apparent use of incapacitant spray on four separate occasions and that Clark was thrown or dropped into the police van while resisting arrest. The force contends these eight allegations collectively demonstrate an unreasonable application of force.
What is the officer's position?
Williams maintains he acted appropriately throughout the arrest. He has been suspended by North Wales Police ahead of the hearing and will present his defence case on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. His legal representatives are expected to argue that his use of force was proportionate and necessary given the circumstances of the arrest and Clark's resistance.
What happens next?
Witnesses are scheduled to give evidence on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, followed by the defence case on Wednesday. The hearing is planned to continue through the remainder of the week. The panel will ultimately determine whether Williams's conduct breached the standards expected of police officers and, if so, what disciplinary action is appropriate.
Key Facts:
- PC Richard Williams faces eight misconduct allegations arising from a 10 May 2023 arrest in Porthmadog, Gwynedd
- He was acquitted of assault and intentional strangulation in criminal court in 2025 but misconduct hearings apply different standards
- Allegations include nine punches to the head, application of a headlock, misuse of handcuffs and incapacitant spray, and throwing or dropping the suspect into a van
- The hearing began on 14 September 2026 and is expected to conclude by Friday of that week
