Akech Khamis Luk denies involvement in CBD affray while on bail

A 19-year-old Andrews Farm man has denied being present at a CBD affray, months after allegedly pole-beating a teen with five other men.

A 19-year-old Andrews Farm man arrested by a taskforce has denied being present at a CBD affray, months after allegedly pole-beating a 16-year-old with five other men.

Akech Khamis Luk faced the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Friday in custody, charged with aggravated affray and four counts of breach of bail.

A police prosecutor told Magistrate Yoong Fee Chin the aggravated charge arose from an incident on October 23 last year where a group of six men including Luk assaulted a teen.

“They assaulted him by kicking and striking him with poles,” the prosecutor said.

“Having viewed CCTV, all six males took part in the affray which was filmed by a witness who tried to intervene.”

The prosecutor said the latest alleged breach of bail which landed Mr Luk in custody arose from an affray in front of the Nairobi Lounge in the CBD on March 13.

“At 1am on March 13 up to 200 people were involved in an aggravated affray at the Nairobi Club on Grenfell Street Adelaide,” he said.

“Six people were injured by edged weapons, this disturbance spilt onto the streets.

“Viewing CCTV footage, the defendant was identified with all three people he is not to be in the company of as part of his bail agreement.

“He has two other files pending, both relate to breaching bail, one is five counts of breach of bail and another is eight counts of breaching bail.”

The prosecutor said police identified two large cuts on Mr Luk’s body and opposed all forms of bail.

Senior police have placed additional officers into Operation Meld, to tackle youth gang violence.. Picture: File

Police formed Operation Meld to target feuding youths of Sudanese heritage in Adelaide’s north and west.

In February, The Advertiser revealed there were two main groups of youths currently feuding – with at least six serious stabbings and violent brawls linked to them.

Applying for bail, Mr Luk’s lawyer said she was instructed by her client that he was not present at the incident at the Nairobi Club in March and his injuries were a result of his ongoing work as a bricklayer.

“While we acknowledge prosecution’s position that Mr Luk is shown on CCTV, we have asked for evidence substantiating that the individual on there is Mr Luk, however we have not received that,” the lawyer said.

“Prosecution have acknowledged that was the issue of concern given the amount of people who were present and participating in that event.”

She also said she had not been provided with any phone footage that allegedly showed Mr Luk participating in the affray in October last year.

Magistrate Chin said the issue of identification was serious.

“I am of the view the defendant can still be afforded an opportunity of bail but only on home detention,” Magistrate Chin said.

“The only reason I’m prepared to consider a home detention report is because identification is a very precarious matter.”

Mr Luk was remanded in custody and will face court again next week.