SA police officer Simon Mark Johnson to stand trial over arrest assault
An SA Police officer will stand trial accused of striking a handcuffed man’s head on the concrete during an arrest.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An SA Police officer has been ordered to stand trial, accused of committing acts of brutality during an arrest.
In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, Simon Mark Johnson pleaded not guilty to one aggravated count of assault.
The charge arises from an ICAC investigation into an alleged incident in the early hours of October 19, 2019.
It is alleged that Mr Johnson, 35, of Lightsview, was involved in the arrest of a man suspected to be driving a stolen vehicle.
It is further alleged that man eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, running through a number of properties before hiding.
Police allegedly located him and directed him to raise his hands, and to then lie on the ground, which he did.
It alleged Mr Johnson approached the man where he was handcuffed and seated on the ground, and forced the man’s head to come into contact with the concrete footpath.
Prosecutors allege that, by that act, Mr Johnson abused his position of authority.
On Thursday, Magistrate Simon Smart remanded Mr Johnson on continuing bail to face the District Court in January, when a trial date will be set.
Huge court win for socialite on meth and cocaine dealing charges
A well-known Adelaide socialite has been released from custody after he was hit with drug trafficking charges in a nationwide AFP investigation.
Police hunting suspect after cop punch in wild crime spree
A home was allegedly smashed up before a police patrol was rammed by a stolen car and an officer was punched in the face in a wild crime spree involving three armed men on Sunday.