James Lachlan Smith charged with armed robbery and threats after alleged stabbing incident on Varsity Lakes bus

A teenager has appeared in court accused of stabbing a stranger on a bus before making a chilling threat to the driver.

The alleged incident took place on a bus in Varsity Lakes on January 20.

A TEENAGER accused of stabbing a stranger on a bus four times before threatening to kill the driver has been refused bail.

James Lachlan Smith, 19, allegedly tried to take his alleged victim’s bag when leaving a bus at Varsity Lakes on January 20.

A scuffle ensued and Smith allegedly stabbed the man, 20, four times causing injuries to his left hand, upper chest and face.

He is charged with armed robbery and threats.

Magistrate Mark Howden said the alleged victim required surgery to his hand and it’s unclear what his recovery may entail.

He refused bail on the grounds that Smith was an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

As Smith left the dock he gave a thumbs up to his family who were supporting him in the courtroom.

Mr Howden described the robbery as “very serious”.

“The bus driver came and tried (to) stop what was going on as the victim yelled ‘I’ve been stabbed’,” Mr Howden told the court.

“You allegedly then told the bus driver to delete his camera or you would kill him.

“You repeated that threat a number of times and that is captured on the audio recording.”

James Lachlan Smith was refused bail at court this morning.

The court heard Smith allegedly fled and later had his former partner shave his head to change his appearance.

Police prosecutor Joel Sleep said it was alleged there was some “calculation” in the offending as he entered the bus with the utensil.

“It’s only by chance that there’s not more significant injury,” he said.

Mr Sleep said Smith had a “serious history” and the attack was “unprovoked”. He said the crown case was strong.

Solicitor Vered Turner, of legal aid, said the boy’s family was in court to support him.

She argued his bail could be managed with strict conditions including reporting to police and having no contact with the victim.

“He understands the position that he is in today and he did express remorse,” she said.

“He made full admissions to police for what took place including the fact that he was under the influence of methamphetamine and Xanax at the time.”

The matter will next be heard for a committal mention on March 12.