Chokehold used by PC not police training, court told

A chokehold used on a man being arrested was not a restrain technique taught to police, a court has heard.

A senior police trainer told a jury at Caernarfon Crown Court that using strangle-holds was potentially “dangerous”.

PC Richard Williams, 43, is accused of assaulting Steven Clark after being called to a domestic incident in Porthmadog, Gwynedd in May 2023.

He denies intentional strangulation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The arrest was captured on a phone camera by neighbours, showing Mr Clarke being taken to the ground by PC Williams and a female colleague in the front garden of a house.

The footage, which has been shown to the jury, shows Mr Clark in a headlock, and being punched repeatedly in the head.

Prosecutors claim the defendant’s action went beyond reasonable force, which has been disputed by the officer.

A senior trainer for North Wales Police was quizzed on how police officers in the force were taught to approach and restrain suspects.

Valerie Williams-Gray told the court: “We don’t teach chokeholds or strangle-holds.”

“It is dangerous,” she added.

However, when asked whether an officer could still use such a technique, Mrs Williams-Gray said they could “if they were facing such a dangerous threat”.

The police trainer was asked to give her opinion on the nine consecutive punches landed by PC Williams during the arrest.

“I would have expected a check between each blow, just to see what was going on with the individual,” said Mrs Williams-Gray.

The trial continues.