Former Dyfed-Powys Police officer found guilty of misconduct

Former PC Simon Williams was found by a police misconduct hearing to have touched a woman sexually without her consent in a public house in Aberaeron in November 2022 –amounting to gross misconduct and being added to the College of Policing Barred List.

In a hearing place yesterday (May 18) the chair of the hearing, Chief Constable Dr Richard Lewis described Mr Williams behaviour on the evening as “outrageous and would have been a serious matter regardless of his status within society. 

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"The fact that he was a serving police officer at the time of the incident makes this a particularly serious case.”

Mr Williams, who previously worked in Ceredigion, fully admitted to the offence in interview and received a conditional caution, however Chief Constable Lewis was scathing of his conduct.

“Dyfed Powys Police expects the highest standards from our officers, staff and volunteers and Mr Williams’ behaviour in this case is a disgrace. Our thoughts are with the victim," said Chief Constable Lewis.

“Mr. Williams has since retired from Dyfed Powys Police. Had he chosen not to, I would today have dismissed him without notice.”

In the hearing it was confirmed that Mr Williams had sent a letter of apology to the victim and the Police Federation made comments on Mr Williams’ behalf.

“Having admitted the conduct as alleged and as stated, accepted his criminal guilt by means of a police caution, Mr. Williams’ culpability in not in question,” said Chief Constable Lewis in his comments.

“In signing the caution form confirming that he intentionally touched a woman aged 16 or over and that the touching was sexual when she did not consent and he did not reasonably believe she was consenting meets the allegation that he behaved in a sexually inappropriate way.”

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Cockwell, the Appropriate Authority for complaints and misconduct in Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “Dyfed-Powys Police expects the highest standards of professional behaviour from its officers and staff, both on and off duty.

"The behaviour of Mr Simon Williams was totally unacceptable and the force will continue to relentlessly pursue any allegations of a sexual nature from both a criminal and misconduct perspective.

“The outcome of today’s hearing is reflective of this approach and I hope reassures the public that the Force will do all it can to maintain high standards in respect of the conduct of its officers and staff, whether on or off duty and whether still serving or not.”