A North Wales Police officer found not guilty of assault during the arrest of a man in Porthmadog will face a misconduct hearing.

PC Richard Williams, charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and non-fatal strangulation following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation, was acquitted on both counts on 8 May 2025 after a seven-day trial at Caernarfon Crown Court.

Porthmadog arrest
A North Wales Police officer appearing to punch a man while arresting him (Facebook)

The charges were originally made following a North Wales Police conduct referral. An investigation was held into 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.

PC Richard Williams. Photo: BBC
PC Richard Williams. Photo: BBC (Copyright: See previous)

North Wales Police say a misconduct hearing on Monday.

A statement on the North Wales Police website page regarding misconduct hearings states that the misconduct hearing will be held at Police Headquarters in Colwyn Bay at 10.30am on Monday, 14 September.

It goes on: “Constable 2434 Richard Williams faces the following allegation: On 10th May 2023 PC Williams was involved in the arrest of a male at an address in Porthmadog. It is alleged that the force used upon the male by PC Williams was unnecessary, disproportionate and unreasonable.

“It is alleged that PC Williams breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour relating to Use of Force, Authority, respect and Courtesy and Discreditable Conduct.

“The allegations above have been assessed by the appropriate authority as amounting to gross misconduct.

“Public viewing of this hearing will be via remote access through Microsoft Teams.”

Anyone who wants to view the hearing must request access to the proceedings first.

You will need to register to access the hearing using the following link prior to the commencement of proceedings: https://shorturl.at/fQt2d