A POLICE officer has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after being found guilty of breaking his wife’s back by kicking her down a flight of stairs.
PC Huw Orphan, 32, was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm and actual bodily harm at Cardiff Crown Court. He denied the assault, claiming he accidentally struck Amy Burley, a fellow officer with Gwent Police, with his leg during an argument at their home in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, in 2020. Orphan was cleared of the more severe charge of grievous bodily harm with intent.
Earlier this month, the Gwent Police force banned Orphan from rejoining any police force during a misconduct hearing, stating he would have been dismissed had he not resigned beforehand.
In an impact statement, Ms Burley described the lasting impact of the assault, stating: “I’m unable to sit or stand for a long period and suffer from poor, irregular sleep.” She also detailed the toll on her family life, noting she could no longer engage in simple activities with her children. “After six months of sick leave, I went on unpaid leave, which has left us financially strained. I’m constantly drained by the whole experience.”
Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, presiding over the case, highlighted the severity of Ms Burley’s injuries, commenting, “This was a grave injury, as demonstrated not only by the injury itself but by her personal statement, showing she is still significantly affected more than four years after the incident.”
The court heard the couple met in 2017 while both worked for Gwent Police and were married two years later. Their relationship was described as fraught with arguments, including an exchange of heated texts on the night of the assault.
Orphan, who appeared in court wearing a blue suit and carrying a bag, had no previous convictions and was described by his defense as a “dedicated father” involved in voluntary work during his police career. A restraining order application against him will be considered on 29 November.
