Teens charged over Westfield Marion lockdown and brawl set for trial as 16-year-old released on bail

The three teens charged over the alleged brawl that sparked the Marion evacuation and lockdown are all on bail, and preparing for trial.

The youths allegedly responsible for the Westfield Marion brawl that sparked a chaotic lockdown are on bail and preparing for negotiations and a potential trial.

On Thursday, after an unexpected delay in Christies Beach Youth Court, Magistrate Phil Broderick remanded two of the three boys on continuing bail to attend pre-trial conference hearings.

The court also heard an application for bail on behalf of one of the teens, a 16-year-old of no fixed address.

CCTV from the Westfield Marion food court showed weapons and a machete were involved in the alleged pre-lockdown brawl. Picture: 7NEWS

The 16-year-old, who previously swore and walked away after a bail bid was withdrawn, was released on home detention bail – for the second time.

The court heard he had been granted bail to live with his mother, who was experiencing homelessness and living in a caravan, but an “argument” resulted in his monitoring device being damaged.

“He waited at the caravan, police attended, he’s been in remand for about a week,” counsel for the boy said.

Prosecutors alleged the boys were armed with extendible batons and a machete.

During the initial court appearance after the three boys’ arrests, the court heard the fight that led to the chaotic evacuation and lockdown was allegedly started over an attempt to steal a $155 jumper.

Heavily armed police attended the centre during the lockdown on June 23. Picture: Brett Hartwig

The court previously heard a TrapStar Hoodie was involved in the alleged brawl, and allegedly stolen from its owner.

A confidential SafeWork SA investigation last week found a poor emergency warning system failed to alert visitors to danger during the lockdown chaos at the centre.

The court heard the youth’s mother had been granted stable accommodation, and it was suitable for electronic monitoring.

The three youths are all charged with aggravated assault, aggravated affray and aggravated commit theft using force. No pleas have been entered.

According to the Courts Administration Authority, a pre-trial conference is a special hearing conducted by a judge or magistrate to “fully explore the possibility of dealing with the charge other than by way of trial”.

It is an opportunity for the court to prepare for any trial that might need to take place due to any disputes between the parties, and if a trial must take place, that it runs “as smoothly as possible”.

The court heard the 15-year-old, who was released on home detention earlier was “going very well” and had completed all but five hours of community service.

“Keep it up,” Mr Broderick said.

The three youths were remanded on bail and in custody to attend the Christies Beach Youth Court again in September.