Pc convicted of girlfriend attack

Pc Stephen Johnson has been suspended from police duty

A police constable who denied punching his girlfriend has been convicted of assault despite her giving evidence to support his version of events.

Llandudno magistrates heard Stephen Johnson, 29, attacked Annemarie Murphy, 38, in a caravan in Towyn.

She suffered facial swelling and a cut under her eye but claimed in evidence they were sustained when Johnson accidentally caught her in a row.

Johnson, of Manchester, was told he faces a community penalty.

Miss Murphy said Johnson had caught her with the back of his hand in the middle of a drunken row involving her sister.

He pleaded not guilty to common assault but the court chairman said they found prosecution witnesses credible.

He was granted unconditional bail while a pre-sentence report was prepared after a defence barrister said the couple wanted to continue their relationship.

After the case, Greater Manchester Police said the Pc was subject to an internal disciplinary investigation.

"The officer is currently suspended from duty," added a spokesman.