SA police officer Karl Slink sentenced for assaulting man during arrest

A serving SA police officer and ex-soldier has faced court after losing control, punching and kneeing a man as a routine arrest turned violent.

A South Australian police officer and ex-Australian soldier lost his temper and hit a man several times while arresting him at his North Haven house, a court has heard.

Karl Slink, 35, appeared at the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday where he was sentenced for the aggravated assault in January last year.

Magistrate Jayanthi Pandya said the assault occurred in front of two other police officers and in the shed of the home.

“It was found, after the trial and the judgment, that it was the moment of the victim going to the ground that saw you, your simmering and building frustrations, and moments of poor discipline evolve into rage,” she said.

“As you tried to secure the arm of the victim, knowing of the presence of the two officers assisting you, you struck him repeatedly motivated only by fury.

Police officer Karl Slink has been sentenced after he assaulted a man while arrested him last year. Picture: Eva Blandis

“Your actions included forceful blows on at least two occasions directly to the victim’s face, the body-worn footage shows you administered at least four strikes with a clenched fist in the direction of the victim’s upper body near where his head was positioned.

“You then kneed the victim to his side.”

The incident, which occurred at a North Haven home, resulted in the assault of a victim who had previously been asked by police officers to leave the premises.

Slink was found guilty of aggravated assault cause harm in September this year after a three-day trial.

Magistrate Pandya said the behaviour was “out of character” and Slink has shown service to the community through his four years in the police force and time in the defence force.

“It is accepted that you … have been an excellent police officer with a strong reputation for service to the community and for leadership, team commitment and adherence to SAPOL policy,” she said.

“Your service in Afghanistan and recognition for such is not disputed.

“Your reputation for honesty and an appropriate and high standard of service in all areas of your life is well documented and undisputed.

“There seems to be a general agreement that the offending was out of character.”

Defence counsel for Slink said his employment with the South Australian police is yet to be terminated as they were awaiting the outcome of the case.

A police spokeswoman said Slink was suspended from duty on June 9, 2022, after SA police received a complaint.

“The guilty verdict demonstrated that police officers are not above the law,” she said.

“Slink has lodged an appeal with respect to his finding of guilt and for that reason South Australia Police will not be making any further comment.”

Slink was convicted and ordered to serve a good behaviour bond for two years.