Three men granted bail after Operation Eclipse arrests

Only one of a group of five men charged for a vicious attack in a restaurant, allegedly relating to the illicit tobacco trade, now remains in custody.

Four men charged over a vicious knife attack as part of the alleged South Australian tobacco wars have learned their bail fate.

Brothers Sajad Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, 31, Ali Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, 23, and co-accused, Ayoub Hasan Ali, 33, and Haydarah Kadhem, 23, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday.

The men have each been charged with causing attempted harm with intent and affray after an alleged incident in a Morphett Vale restaurant on August 18.

Four mean appeared in court charged with an assault linked to the escalating tobacco war here in SA. Picture: 9 NEWS

Three of the men were granted bail over the charge. Picture: 9 NEWS

Operation Eclipse is a special task force targeting crime syndicates. Picture: 9 NEWS

A third brother, Ahmed Aref Abdul Al Mansoury, 34, who is charged with the same offending, was released on home detention bail last week.

The men were arrested for offences police allege relate to the ongoing conflict associated with the illicit tobacco sales in SA and the standover and intimidation tactics allegedly being used by these syndicates.

A prosecutor, opposing bail for all men besides Kadhem, said the CCTV footage – which was played to the court – showed the alleged victim being approached by Sajad.

“At one point the footage shows him open a menu on the table next to him and produce a large kitchen knife,” the prosecutor said.

“The moment that occurs the other accused walk towards the victim, effectively closing off his ability to move.

“Sajad Al Mansoury then takes two or three significant stabs at the victim’s neck as he tries to move himself away.”

The prosecutor said a fight then occurred outside before the victim was able to leave.

Harry Patsouris, for Sajad, told the court there was an earlier incident when the alleged victim went to the restaurant and called for the accused to come there.

“He goes at him with a kitchen knife … he’s clearly outnumbered,” replied Magistrate Simon Smart.

“He wasn’t pulling it out to spread butter.”

Bede Elliot, for Ayoub, told the court his client had a wife and two children he supports and his involvement, if any, was minimal.

Mr Elliot said the alleged victim was yet to give a statement and other footage showed how aggressive he was.

Christina Christakas, for Ali, told the court the matters were contested and his client was studying a construction management course.

Mr Smart granted Mr Kadhem simple bail and granted Ali and Ayoub home detention bail.

However he denied Sajad bail.

All men, who have been banned from contacting their co-accused, will face court again in January.

Operation Eclipse is a special task force targeting crime syndicates vying for the “lion’s share” of the illicit tobacco market.