Well I’m sure it must send a thrill down (former) Officer Phillip’s leg to wield that sort of power over a helpless subject but where’s the evidence this way-cool move was ever needed? This is about who has the power, and loves having it. Period.
In the article it says this occured when they were changing cuffs to put him in the van. They took off one set of cuffs and were preparing to put the other set on him. He let his arms fall down to his side during the gap in time. That promted Mr Pigly to do the assault.
Apparently that is also what led to charges of resisting arrest and assault as his hand brushed the officers leg.