Convicted PC faces misconduct probe

Wednesday, 4 September 2024 11:29

A police officer convicted of assaulting his wife and colleague is set to face misconduct proceedings from his employers.

PC Huw Orphan was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm after Amy Burley suffered a broken back at their Barry home in April 2020.

The 31 year-old, who denied attacking her, will be sentenced next month.

Gwent Police, who employed the couple, told Bro Radio News that Orphan's "disgraceful actions" would not be tolerated.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the couple had met while working for the force in 2017 - they moved in together and got married two years later, but by the time they moved to the Vale, their relationship had broken down.

Prosecutors said Orphan kicked Ms Burley down the stairs, leaving her with ongoing pain after fracturing her back as a result.

The defendant claimed that he did not deliberately kick her, but took 'evasive action' and accidentally caught her.

He was cleared of causing GBH with intent but convicted of causing actual bodily harm during a separate row at the couple's former Newport home.

Judge Tracey-Lloyd Clarke asked for a pre-sentencing report to be prepared on Oprhan, who was released on bail until 25th October.

Following the verdict on Monday, a spokesperson for Gwent Police said: "Huw Orphan's disgraceful actions are exactly the types of behaviour that erode public confidence in the police and make victims of domestic abuse less likely to report and place their trust in officers."

"We will not tolerate this conduct in our organisation and we're now able to rapidly progress appropriate misconduct proceedings against this individual following the conclusion of the trial."