Police Officer Denies Deliberately Kicking Wife Down the Stairs During Row
A police officer, Huw Orphan, has denied the allegations of deliberately kicking his wife down the stairs, leaving her with a broken back. Orphan stated that he did not intend to make any contact with his partner or cause her harm but was merely trying to create distance during an argument by “jumping” up the stairs. The incident occurred while both individuals were serving as constables with Gwent Police. Orphan is facing charges of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently on trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
During the trial, Orphan explained to the jury that his relationship with his wife, fellow officer Amy Burley, had taken a negative turn over time, especially after they moved to Barry in February 2020. The court heard about an alleged assault that took place on April 8, 2020, after Orphan returned home from a late shift. Following a heated exchange of messages and escalating arguments, Orphan described his attempt to take refuge upstairs, which led to the unfortunate incident on the stairs.
Orphan testified that his wife’s actions contributed to the circumstances, ultimately resulting in her falling down the stairs as he tried to reach the top for safety. When asked if he had intended to kick her, Orphan firmly denied the accusation, emphasising that his actions were solely meant for self-preservation. Additionally, Orphan addressed a previous incident in January 2020, claiming he resorted to a police technique to restrain his wife due to concerns for everyone’s safety during a confrontation about sterilising baby bottles.
The prosecution challenged Orphan’s account, suggesting that he had fabricated the story to conceal his actions of losing his temper and deliberately causing harm to his wife. Orphan firmly refuted these allegations, maintaining that it was his wife who was agitated during both incidents. Huw Orphan, aged 31, of Barry, is denying charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent as the trial proceeds.
The case continues at Cardiff Crown Court as both sides present their arguments and evidence. The outcome of the trial will determine the resolution of the allegations against the police officer in this domestic dispute.
(Source: Wales Online)