Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

An off-duty police officer who attacked someone from behind in an unprovoked attack has been formally dismissed from Gwent Police.

PC Joseph Cook resigned from the force prior to disciplinary proceedings, but would have been dismissed if he had been a serving officer.

The attack happened on Friday June 3 last year on a night out in Cardiff.

According to evidence submitted as part of a misconduct hearing, former PC Cook, who had consumed alcohol, pushed another man to the floor and held him by his shirt. It was also reported that Cook had punched the man, who suffered bruises and cuts, while he was on the ground but this was denied by Cook.

The attack happened at around 2am on St Mary Street in front of a South Wales Police patrol vehicle. The victim of the attack was with an ex-partner of Cook.

CCTV images showed the pair walk past Cook, who is then seen to turn around and walk after them as they cross the road. He then speeds up and pushes the man to his back

During the hearing, held on May 23, Cook admitted to losing control for a “split second”.

The pair were separated by officers but the victim did not want to take it further. Cook was interviewed by officers at the scene but made no comments.

During the hearing Cook cited mental ill health at the time of the attack, but did not produce any medical evidence to support this.

In a written ruling, Chief Constable Pam Kelly said Cook’s actions amounted to gross misconduct.

She said: “Former PC Cook’s behaviour fell below the standard that I expect of a police officer working for Gwent Police. Our communities deserve the highest standards. The behaviour of former PC Cook was totally unacceptable.

“Concerningly, former PC Cook confronted Mr A from behind, in this unprovoked attack. This is not the standard that I expect from a serving officer whatever the wider concerns that individual might be dealing with. This behaviour is totally unacceptable.”

In addition to the dismissal, Cook will also be referred to the College of Policing to be placed on the police barred list.