Spin Off Festival goer shares video of security tacking ‘petrified’ woman

A Spin Off Festival goer has shared her distress at watching four security hold a “petrified” young woman facedown on the cement, claiming the force was unnecessary.

A Spin Off Festival goer has told of her distress at witnessing four security hold a “petrified” young woman facedown on the cement, claiming the force was unnecessary.

Phoebe Kempson, 25, said she had gone to get a drink when she heard screaming, about 4.15pm.

“I turned around … and this girl was being held down face-first on the concrete by four security guards,” she said.

“She was just screaming, she looked petrified … she was yelling, crying onto the cement.

“There were puddles from her tears, it was awful.

“It wasn’t a pleasant sight at all.”

Security pin down a woman at Spin Off Festival at Wayville Show Grounds.

A witness has claimed the security personnel appeared to use “unnecessary” force.

The Brooklyn Park woman said she approached the security guards at Saturday’s music event at the Wayville’s Adelaide Showground to ask what was happening, expressing her concern.

“I went up to them and said, ‘what’s going on?’,” Ms Kempson said.

“They told me the girl had assaulted a security guard and advised me to move away, telling me it was none of my business.

“I told them I was concerned by the force they were using.

“I said, ‘you do not need to hold her down with this type of force, this is unnecessary.”

It is alleged the woman, aged 22, was drunk and spat on a security guard.

Ms Kempson said security guards, from the Lima One Protection, dismissed her uneasiness, for the female with the purple hair she didn’t know.

“They just get repeating, ‘we are not on her chest, she can breathe, leave us alone … we have it sorted’.”

Ms Kempson said she persisted, again asking the security personnel to ease up.

“I just kept saying, ‘let her go … at least let her sit up’,” she said.

“They said no, telling me she would just assault someone else.

“She was screaming and crying … it reminded me of those videos you see of police officers holding down people with unnecessary force.

“It was quite frightening.”

Ms Kempson said when police arrived, they got the girl up and appeared to be consoling the her.

SA Police confirmed they responded to a call from the venue about 4.45pm.

“While being evicted from the event by security for intoxication, a 22-year-old woman allegedly assaulted a security officer (by spitting),” a spokeswoman said.

“Police assisted in removing the woman from the venue.”

She said, overall, police were pleased with the crowd’s behaviour with just nine evictions.

In addition, 11 expiation notices were issued for behavioural and cannabis offences with 12 people issued with drug diversions.

The Sunday Mail has sought comment from Lima One Protection and has also tried to contact festival organisers.

SA Ambulance confirmed it responded to a call from the festival at 4.15pm with one patient transported to Royal Adelaide Hospital, however there were no details on the age or gender of the person.

The festival, popular with young people, attracts up to 20,000 fans, with the weekend event featuring British indie rockers Glass Animals, US rapper Jack Harlow as well as Perth’s Spacey Jane and Brisbane five-piece Ball Park Music.

A post on the festival’s Facebook page pays tribute to the festival-goers.

“Thank you so much to everyone who came and celebrated with us today – you filled our hearts with pure joy and happiness.

“We hope you all had the most incredible day and took home so many memories from the beautiful artists that took to the stage.

“From the entire Spin Off team and everyone who had a part to play in this festival, we love you. See you again in 2023.”