A police sergeant who punched a man while he was in a cell has been dismissed for gross misconduct. Rhodri Davies, 45, of South Wales Police, utilized unnecessary, disproportionate, and unreasonable force against Tariq Evans in October 2022. Mr. Davies, a former boxer, served as the duty custody sergeant when Mr. Evans arrived at Swansea Central police station. Mr. Evans, who was handcuffed, was forcefully brought to the ground and struck by Mr. Davies, who also applied a “dangerous” restraint to his neck. The panel determined that Mr. Davies “possessed the strength to control Mr. Evans” and deemed the takedown and subsequent strikes unlawful. His behavior was condemned as “deplorable” by a disciplinary panel conducted in Bridgend, leading to his immediate dismissal.
Another officer, PC Jack Williams, was sentenced in September 2023 for assaulting Mr. Evans in a police van before reaching the station. Colin Banham, representing Mr. Davies, acknowledged his client’s positive service record, describing him as a “very popular, well-liked, and trusted police officer.” Mr. Banham emphasized that Mr. Davies had dedicated 20 years of exemplary service to the public, exceeding the expectations of his duty. The incident was characterized as “extremely isolated and out of character,” deemed a “flashpoint in an otherwise exemplary career.”
Christopher Mckay, the chairman of the disciplinary panel, emphasized that a police station should be a place of safety for all individuals, commenting on the “deplorable” treatment Mr. Evans endured at the hands of Mr. Davies. Sarah-Lee Evans, Tariq Evans’ mother, expressed satisfaction with the outcome following the extensive 10-day hearing. She mentioned that her son, who has ADHD and potential autism, suffered trauma due to the incident, impacting his ability to maintain employment and relationships, requiring support from the local mental health team. She added that Sgt. Davies, being an experienced officer, should have handled the situation better and expressed relief that he would no longer hold such a position. Ms. Evans indicated that her son was contemplating further action against South Wales Police.
