Statement from acting Assistant Commissioner (Metropolitan Operations Service) David O’Donovan

“The sentence handed down this morning is disappointing. It falls short of community expectations for such disgusting, offensive conduct.

SA Police will urge the acting Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal the sentence, but understand that decision rests solely with that office.

Police do not expect to be assaulted when they clock on for their shift, but unfortunately this is a reality as they serve and protect the community.

In this instance, Probationary Constable Hannigan was trying to assist and protect the female who assaulted her by checking on her welfare. She was trying to help her, not arrest her.

For this, she was assaulted by the offender who spat directly into her mouth – a deeply offensive, humiliating and degrading act that would disgust the community.

Police officers deal with challenging situations involving violence, drugs, alcohol and mental health on a daily basis. It is a dangerous, but rewarding profession.

Police need to know they have the backing of the justice system when things go wrong.

Sadly, this has not appear to have happened in this case.”