AN EXPERIENCED South Wales Police sergeant has been dismissed with immediate effect after a misconduct panel found him guilty of gross misconduct. Sergeant Rhodri Davies, who had served in the force for nearly 20 years, was judged to have used “deplorable” and “unjustified” force against detainee Tariq Evans at Swansea Central Police Station on October 24, 2022.
The panel heard that Sgt Davies “lost patience” with Mr Evans, who was intoxicated but posed no threat of violence when he arrived at the station. Despite being handcuffed and restrained, Mr Evans was pulled to the floor and struck by Sgt Davies in actions described as dangerous and reckless.
Panel’s findings
At the misconduct hearing in Bridgend, panel chairman Christopher McKay said: “There was no justification for Sgt Davies’ actions, which were intentional and deplorable.” He added that the incident risked bringing South Wales Police into disrepute and undermined public confidence in the force.
While Mr Evans was uncooperative and verbally threatening, the panel concluded he presented no immediate risk when the excessive force was used. Earlier, Mr Evans had been arrested following an incident of criminal damage. Although he was initially restrained with a spit hood and leg straps due to violent behaviour, these measures were removed by the time he arrived at the custody suite.
Previous unblemished record
Sgt Davies’s lawyer, Colin Banham, highlighted his client’s previously exemplary record, saying: “This incident is a small snapshot of 20 years of dedicated service.” However, the panel ruled that Sgt Davies’s lack of insight into the severity of his actions warranted dismissal.
Further allegations and implications
The incident involving Sgt Davies followed the jailing of another officer, PC Jack Williams, who was recorded assaulting Mr Evans during his arrest. Williams, 27, was convicted of assault by beating at Newport Crown Court in August 2023 and sentenced to 12 weeks in prison.
Sgt Davies faced allegations that his actions breached professional standards, including the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force. While the panel deemed his conduct in the custody suite as gross misconduct, other actions, including applying pressure to Mr Evans’s neck in a “C-clamp” hold, were classified as misconduct.
Maintaining public trust
The misconduct panel determined that Sgt Davies’s actions were so serious they justified immediate dismissal, stating: “Police officers are held to the highest standards of conduct. The public must have confidence that detainees are treated with dignity and respect.”
This case underscores the importance of accountability and professionalism within law enforcement and highlights the consequences of failing to uphold these standards.