Police officer charged after he was filmed strangling and punching suspect | UK News

A police officer has been charged after he was filmed apparently strangling and punching a man during an arrest.

PC Richard Williams, 42, was seen repeatedly punching the suspect as he tried to apprehend him in May.

He placed the 35-year-old victim into a choke hold before delivering a series of blows.

The victim could be seen struggling and groaning in pain as a female officer places him in handcuffs.

In a second clip, he can be seen with a bloodied and swollen face as he is placed in a police van.

Williams, who has been suspended by the North Wales Police force, faces two charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and non-fatal stangulation.

He will appear in front of Magistrates next week.

North Wales Police said the victim was taken to hospital for treatment before being transferred into custody.

Andy Dunbobbin, North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner, called the incident ‘concerning’.

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.’

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