Tobias Russell Lightning appears in Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with four basic counts of assault

A man charged with swiftly leaving a train on which he’d allegedly assaulted fellow passengers has left court just as abruptly.

Tobias Russell Lightning appears in Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with four basic counts of assault. Picture: Sean Fewster

A man accused of running from a train without paying the fare, after allegedly abusing, striking and spitting on four strangers, has made a brisk exit from court.

On Tuesday, Tobias Russell Lightning made his first appearance, since his arrest, in the Adelaide Magistrates Court.

Mr Lightning, 47, of Salisbury, has yet to plead to four basic counts of assault, one count of disorderly behaviour, and one count of failing to pay the fare on public transport.

Prosecutors allege the charges arise from a series of incidents that took place between Kilburn and Adelaide in May this year.

It is alleged Mr Lightning verbally abused, spat at, punched, slapped and pushed the four women, who were unknown to him and were travelling separately from one another.

It is further alleged that, once the train arrived in the city, Mr Lightning jumped the barrier and ran toward Adelaide Oval, where he was arrested.

On Tuesday, counsel for Mr Lightning asked his bail be varied so that, instead of reporting weekly to the Salisbury police station, he did so at the Hindley St station.

They also asked for time to seek disclosure of evidence from, and undertake negotiations with, prosecutors.

Magistrate Brian Nitschke varied Mr Lightning’s bail and remanded him to face court again in September.

Outside court, Mr Lightning declined to answer questions as he jogged down Angas St and away from media cameras.

He then turned down the side of the Kodo apartments without making comment.