Cop captured in shocking footage punching suspect NINE times after gripping his neck during arrest will not be sacked

A COP who punched a suspect nine times after gripping his neck during an arrest will not be sacked. PC Richard Williams, 44, was accused of gripping Steven Clark, 34, around the neck as he restrained him in Porthmadog, North Wales. PC Richard Williams was filmed punching the suspect Credit: WNS He was cleared of intentional strangulation and assault causing actual bodily harm Credit: WNS Footage shows the suspect being told to “stop resisting” while PC Williams repeatedly delivered punches to the side of his head. PC Williams insisted the force used was necessary after claiming Clark had already knocked a female colleague to the ground. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The police officer stood trial at Caernarfon Crown Court – and was cleared of intentional strangulation and assault causing actual bodily harm. But was suspended from duty and faced allegations of gross misconduct before North Wales Police. A panel today found the allegations against PC Williams were not proven. PC Williams previously told a jury he hit Clark with “distraction blows” because he could not reach his baton or taser during the arrest. He said: “I had my hands around him, which naturally led to a headlock, but he continued to resist – he was pulling away from me. “I was concerned for my safety and my colleague’s safety.” Most read in The Sun The footage was taken after PC Williams had been called to a domestic incident in May 2023. Speaking after conclusion of the hearing, Deputy chief constable Nigel Harrison said: “PC Williams has been the subject of an IOPC-led criminal investigation and misconduct process, which have now concluded. “Having now been cleared by a misconduct panel which reviewed all the evidence and also a crown court trial where he was found not guilty, this matter is now at an end. I look forward to PC Williams returning to full duties. “Officers are confronted with violence and danger on a daily basis and carry out their duties under difficult circumstances. Rightly there should be public scrutiny but also a recognition of the challenges that they face trying to keep the public safe.”