CCTV shows a violent assault, yet CPS dropped “actual bodily harm” charges, sparking outrage
CCTV footage has emerged showing David Lewis, a controversial businessman tied to Wales’s largest opencast coal mine, physically assaulting solicitor Robert Davies outside Davies’s Newport office. Despite clear video evidence—including Lewis pushing Davies against a window, grabbing his throat and inflicting a bleeding wound that left a permanent scar—the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) discontinued the case, citing insufficient evidence for a realistic conviction.
The assault allegedly occurred last year after a heated civil dispute between the two men, who had previously given conflicting testimony about the remediation of the Ffos‑y‑fran mining site in Merthyr Tydfil. Davies, 75, pressed charges after suffering actual bodily harm. Yet, just days before a scheduled hearing on 14 July, the CPS issued a notice of discontinuance under Section 23 of the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985, stating evidence was now insufficient.
In the wake of the CPS decision, Davies’s legal team confirmed he was entitled to recover his court costs. The office following the conditional caution had noted Lewis was to attend a victim-awareness course—an obligation he later failed, triggering court action.
Nation.Cymru obtained the CCTV footage through GDPR provisions. It shows Lewis aggressively exiting his car, approaching Davies, and shoving his head forward while shouting. Further clips depict Lewis violently thrusting Davies against a window and seizing his throat. The impact resulted in bleeding and a lasting scar. Davies’s son, James—also a solicitor—confronted Lewis, who minimised the attack, saying he merely “gave his father a bit of a shake”.
Embed from Getty ImagesDavies expressed astonishment that clear video evidence had not secured a prosecution. He criticised Gwent Police’s handling, pointing to the recent Peel Report, which recommended improvements in their response to such incidents. Now, Davies plans to demand a meeting with the Chief Constable to challenge the investigation’s integrity.
He told press: “The CCTV allows people to judge for themselves. Now I’m focusing on why Gwent Police failed to act.” His legal team from Carter‑Ruck emphasised that while the criminal case has ended, Davies reserves the right to pursue civil redress. The statement also clarified that Lewis is a director—not owner—of the Ffos‑y‑fran mine operator, Merthyr (South Wales) Ltd, and that restoration work continues under local authority oversight.
Represented by Carter‑Ruck, Davies remains vigilant: “Reporting on allegations withdrawn due to lack of evidence doesn’t protect against defamation claims,” they warned. Meanwhile, they confirmed restoration obligations for the coal mine are progressing under contractual agreements with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
