Two 17-year-olds accused of ‘gay hate crime’ assault on couple face court, with one swearing at media outside

Two young teens have faced court for an alleged assault described as a ‘gay hate crime’ – with one verbally abusing waiting media.

Two teenagers have faced court over a Rundle Mall assault on a couple – in what has been described as a ‘gay hate crime’ – with one making a volatile exit.

Following a hearing in the Adelaide Youth Court, one of the two 17-year-olds accused of the attack verbally abused waiting media in response to questions.

On Friday morning, the first of two 17-year-old boys appeared charged over the incident, with his lawyer asking the court to adjourn the matter so he could take instructions.

Outside court, he and his lawyers declined to comment.

The second 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named, and his lawyer did not comment outside of court.

Later that day, the second teen faced court, where an acting duty solicitor told Magistrate Tracee Ann Micallef his application for Legal Aid had been approved and would have an acting lawyer on the next occasion.

Her Honour granted an adjournment to allow a lawyer to be instructed.

Outside court, when asked questions by waiting media, the second 17-year-old responded with “get the f*** out of my face”.

“F*** the media,” the youth said.

South Australia Police last year released CCTV images showing the two in the Mall in November, after a young couple was attacked while holding hands.

The couple, aged in their 20s, said they were walking on November 10, when they were approached by two males, with one pulling a balaclava over his face before the alleged attack.

It is understood one of the men allegedly assaulted ended up in hospital with a broken jaw.

Speaking to 7NEWS anonymously after the attack, one of the men last year alleged that the men set upon them because they were homosexual.

Following an investigation, police arrested two teenagers and subsequently charged them with aggravated causing harm with intent and aggravated assault.

Both youths are yet to enter any pleas to the charges.

The two 17-year-olds will return to the Adelaide Youth Court next month.