Deng Atem Machok, 19, faces court charged with attempted murder over Adelaide CBD stabbing

A teenager already on a warrant has faced court charged with a CBD stabbing that left a young man with life threatening injuries as police crackdown on gang violence.

A 19-year-old charged with attempted murder for a city stabbing was already on a warrant when he faced court on the fresh allegations.

Police allege Deng Atem Machok, of Kilburn, left a 22-year-old Lightsview man seriously injured last month with his Thursday night arrest coming as police crackdown on gang violence.

Appearing from custody in the Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday, Mr Machok’s lawyer said his client would apply for home-detention bail.

The court heard the accused had been issued with a first instance warrant after failing to appear in court on other matters which Magistrate Jayanthi Pandya said would complicate the issue.

Ms Pandya refused to order a home-detention report saying the matter would be heard by Chief Magistrate Judge Mary-Louise Hribal.

“In light of the fact that the Chief Magistrate seized the matter and has specifically endorsed the court files, that the matter is to be returned to her, I’m not going to make any further orders today,” Ms Pandya said.

“It’s appropriate for the matter to return before the Chief Magistrate rather than me ordering (the) report in light of the warrant that was issued.”

The 22-year-old victim was found on Blyth St. Picture: Renato Castello

Earlier police reported Machok’s arrest was part of targeted South Australia Police Operation Meld – boosted just days ago after a spate of stabbings allegedly involving feuding youth gangs.

They alleged the 22-year-old received life threatening injuries to his chest and immediately rushed to the Royal Adelaide Hospital after police and paramedics attended Blyth St in the early hours of January 30.

Assistant Commissioner Scott Duval said it was launched following a series of robberies and assaults by youths armed with knives.

The escalation in violence, highlighted by this incident, prompted senior police to place additional officers into the operation.

On Friday, Patrick Deegan, for Machok indicated he would make an application for home detention bail at his next appearance.

The police prosecutor would oppose any application for bail.

Ms Pandya remanded Machok in custody to appear before Judge Hribal next week.

Police are asking anyone with more information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The escalation in violence has prompted senior police to place additional officers into Operation Meld, to tackle youth gang violence.