A North Wales Police officer has been found not guilty of assault during the arrest of a man in Porthmadog, following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.

PC Richard Williams, aged 43, had been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and non-fatal strangulation.

He was acquitted on both counts today (8 May 2025) after a seven-day trial at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Following a North Wales Police conduct referral, we investigated an incident where the officer was arresting the man in the garden of a property in Porthmadog just before midday on 10 May 2023, when the alleged excessive use of force took place.

During the investigation, we collated and reviewed footage of the arrest, as well as taking witness accounts and interviewing the officer under gross misconduct and criminal caution.

IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said: “At the end of our investigation in November 2023, we referred a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service who decided to bring the charges. It was appropriate for the evidence from our investigation of force used against the man to be tested in court. The jury has now found the police officer not guilty.”

As the criminal trial has concluded, we will be liaising with the force over any potential disciplinary proceedings for PC Williams.