North Wales cop who punched drug-fuelled suspect nine times in the head is cleared of misconduct and will keep his job

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

PC Richard Williams, 44, was cleared of any misconduct after video showed him striking Steven Clark, 34, nine times in the head while making an arrest in Porthmadog, North Wales, in May 2023. A five-day misconduct panel at Colwyn Bay ruled the level of force was reasonable, accepting that Clark was "off his head" on cannabis and amphetamines and had resisted arrest. Williams had previously been acquitted of assault and intentional strangulation at Caernarfon Crown Court in 2025 and is due to return to full duties.

Clark had a documented history of violent threats — including with a knife — and had allegedly brought a female officer down with a rugby tackle.

Williams told the panel he used 'distraction strikes' because he could not reach his baton or Taser while pinning Clark down.

Clark told the hearing he 'couldn't breathe' and that his 'body was like jelly', saying he remembered very little of the incident.