Pc cleared over colleague attack

Pc Byron Emerson-Thomas was charged with unlawful wounding

A police officer has been cleared of wounding a colleague in an argument over who should drive a force van.

Pc Byron Emerson-Thomas had claimed he acted in self-defence in the row at a Cardiff police station with Pc Aled Bartlett, who needed eight stitches.

After the Newport Crown Court jury took less than 30 minutes to reach its verdict, the judge questioned why the Pc's case had ever come to court.

His barrister said the "silly incident" could have been handled better.

South Wales Police said it respected the court's decision and an internal investigation would take place.

The trial heard Pc Emerson-Thomas, 37, of Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan wanted first go in the patrol van because it had been fitted with a new radio.

Rather than dealing with this silly incident in another way they've (the South Wales Police) spent months, thousands of pounds and man hours in dragging this to court Daniel Williams, defending

But Pc Bartlett had been handed the keys to the van at the start of their night shift last May at Fairwater police station in Cardiff and refused to hand over the keys.

Pc Emerson-Thomas then allegedly spilt a cup of tea over him, starting the parade room altercation.

Prosecutor Mark Spackman also said Pc Emerson-Thomas rubbed tea-soaked paper towels into the face and arm of Pc Bartlett.

The row ended when he punched his colleague, the court heard.

Appearing as a defence witness earlier, Pc Anthony Hughes said he was "shocked" when he saw Pc Emerson-Thomas land the blow.

He said it was Pc Bartlett who approached Pc Emerson-Thomas before being hit in the face.

Pc Aled Bartlett was angry, said a fellow constable

"I saw Pc Bartlett walk towards Pc Emerson-Thomas and his face was one of anger. I thought he (Pc Bartlett) was going to hit him," he said.

"I was just stunned at what was going on.

Suspended

"I had never seen anything like that (look) on Pc Bartlett's face."

Pc Hughes said he was also surprised by Pc Bartlett throwing a bottle of water at Pc Emerson-Thomas and hitting his cup of tea out of his hand.

Pc Hughes said the punch "stopped" Pc Bartlett and brought the incident to a close.

Pc Emerson-Thomas has been suspended since the incident.

The row took place at Fairwater police station in Cardiff

His defence counsel Daniel Williams criticised South Wales Police for its handling of the case.

"Rather than dealing with this silly incident in another way they've spent months, thousands of pounds and man-hours in dragging this to court," he said.

"There are better ways to spend public funds.

"One wonders if it was two builders whether this would have come to court."

Chief Supt Josh Jones of South Wales Police said they respected the decision of the court and an internal investigation would now take place.

"This was an isolated incident which in no way represents the service that South Wales Police provide to the people of Cardiff on a day to day basis," he said.