A police officer who broke his wife’s back by kicking her down a flight of stairs has been barred from police work. PC Huw Orphan was found guilty of grievous bodily harm (GBH) against his police officer wife Amy Burley by a Cardiff Crown Court jury. Gwent Police’s temporary assistant chief constable Nick McLain expressed that had Orphan not resigned before his misconduct hearing, he would have been dismissed without notice.
The incident occurred in April 2020 when Orphan, of Church Road in Barry, was arguing with Mrs Burley. Orphan claimed he was trying to distance himself from his wife by “jumping” up the stairs when his leg “accidentally” made contact with her. The prosecution argued that Orphan deliberately kicked his wife, causing her to fall down the stairs and break her back. Orphan denied this, claiming his wife lost her temper.
In addition to the GBH, Orphan was also found guilty of causing actual bodily harm (ABH) in a previous incident. This incident occurred before the couple moved to Barry when Orphan assaulted his partner following an argument about sterilising baby bottles. Orphan defended his actions as a means to neutralise the risk to himself, his wife, and their children.
Orphan’s relationship with Mrs Burley began in 2018, and by the time they moved to Barry in 2020, it was described as “in tatters.” The attack took place in the early hours of April 8, 2020, after Orphan returned home from a late shift. Orphan did not attend his misconduct hearing where his gross misconduct was proven.
Temporary chief constable Mark Hobrough condemned Orphan’s actions as “vile” and expressed his disgust at the crimes. He emphasised the commitment to bringing offenders to justice and safeguarding victims. Orphan is awaiting sentencing for his crimes on October 25.
For individuals impacted by domestic abuse or sexual violence, the Live Fear Free Helpline provides free advice and support 24/7 at 0808 801 08 00. The case continues to unfold, with more updates available for those following the story.