A North Wales Police officer, PC Ellis Thomas, has been found not guilty of causing grievous bodily harm (GBH) to 17-year-old Harley Murphy during an arrest outside the Cube nightclub in Bangor on January 29, 2023. The verdict was delivered today at Mold Crown Court, concluding a six-day trial.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) conducted an investigation into the incident, leading to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorizing the GBH charge. Following the acquittal, IOPC Director Derrick Campbell stated, “Having heard and tested the evidence, the court has now reached its decision and we respect its verdict. This was a serious allegation, against a child, so it was important the incident was independently and thoroughly investigated.”
The case has sparked discussions regarding the language used in official statements, particularly the IOPC’s reference to the 17-year-old as a “child.” Critics argue that such terminology may influence public perception, especially considering that individuals aged 16 can legally join the British Armed Forces.
Deputy Chief Constable Nigel Harrison of North Wales Police acknowledged the court’s decision, stating, “We acknowledge the decision of the court today. This has been an independently-led investigation by the IOPC and we will now liaise with them in order for the misconduct investigation to be brought to a conclusion.”
The incident and subsequent trial have highlighted the challenges faced by police officers in making split-second decisions during volatile situations. Calls for greater transparency in such cases have been made, emphasizing the need for public access to comprehensive information, including body-worn camera footage and detailed accounts of the events leading up to the use of force.
