Simon Mark Johnson standing trial after he allegedly smashed prisoner’s head into ground during arrest

A police officer has told a court of the moment a fellow officer allegedly pushed a prisoner’s head into the ground during an arrest, with a “hollow knocking” noise.

A South Australian police officer alleged to have smashed a prisoner’s head into the ground during an arrest with a “large amount of force” left fellow officers shocked, a court has heard.

Simon Mark Johnson is standing trial in the District Court after he was charged with the aggravated assault of Lennard Gordon Kennard Ware during an arrest in October 2019. He has plead not guilty to the single charge.

Prosecutor Dr Peter Salu previously told the court in his opening statement Mr Johnson allegedly slammed Mr Ware’s head into the road after asking Senior Constable David Broomhead to turn off his body-worn camera.

On Monday, Dr Salu called on Constable Broomhead, who was on duty and present at the time of the alleged offence, to give evidence.

Constable Broomhead said he witnessed Mr Johnson push Mr Ware’s head into a concrete footpath with a “large amount of force” and heard a “hollow knocking noise”.

Simon Mark Johnson is standing trial in the District Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Ben Clark

Judge Geraldine Davison, right, during a visit to the scene of the assault in Dudley Park, with accused SA policce officer, centre. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“I heard the prisoner say ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’,” he said. “There was a loud hollow knocking-type noise. I was shocked.”

Lennard Ware was allegedly assaulted by South Australian police officer Simon Johnson. Picture: Facebook

In his evidence, Constable Broomhead said he heard witnesses calling out at Mr Johnson over his conduct of the arrest.

“You’ve already arrested him, you don’t need to assault him,” he recalled hearing.

Constable Broomhead said, upon his return after approaching the house Mr Ware was detained at, he noticed Mr Ware had a “red and bloody” wound on his forehead.

While being questioned by David Edwardson KC, for Mr Johnson, Sergeant David Griffin – who was also called forward to give evidence by prosecution – said he hadn’t noticed any injuries on Mr Ware until they arrived at the City Watch House.

“Did you notice any injuries (while at the scene),” Mr Edwardson asked.

“No,” Sergeant Griffin responded.

“Did he complain about his forehead?”

“No.”

Judge Geraldine Davison asked Sergeant Griffin whether he noticed any injuries on Mr Ware after he’d been transported in the cage car.

“I did notice a mark on his forehead,” he responded.

Dr Salu said he was of the understanding Mr Ware had complained of pain while sitting in the back of the cage car.

The trial continues before a jury.