Police constable dismissed for misconduct

A POLICE officer has been dismissed for “discreditable conduct” towards a woman.

Police Constable Richard Alun Phillips has been dismissed without notice from South Wales Police for his behaviour towards a woman and uniformed officers involved in his arrest.

The incident involving the officer, who was based in the force’s western area, which includes Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot, happened in 2017 in a licensed premises in Cardiff.

Over two days on August 1 and 2, a police misconduct hearing found allegations of gross misconduct to be proven.

During the hearing the witness gave evidence from behind a special measures screen.

The panel included a legally qualified chairman, a police superintendent and an independent panel member appointed by The Police and Crime Commissioner.

Dinlle Francis, acting superintendent from South Wales Police’s professional standards department, said: “I want to pay particular tribute to the witness in this case who gave her evidence from behind a ‘special measures’ screen. She was extremely credible and clearly evidenced the actions of Pc Phillips to be deliberate.

“Police officers hold positions of trust and are expected to set the highest of standards when serving the people of south Wales, whether on duty or off duty.

“The vast majority of our officers and staff carry out their duties in a professional manner and uphold the standards expected of them. Those who act otherwise are a tiny minority and their behaviour will not be tolerated.”