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Axe accused released on bail just hours before terrifying attack

The man who allegedly went armed in public with an axe and tried to steal a mobile phone and bike had only been released on bail hours before the terrifying incident.

A court released James Morgan on Tuesday, but just hours later, it’s alleged the 22-year-old threatened people in Adelaide’s CBD while carrying the axe and tried to cut free a bicycle before police arrived.

James Morgan is back in police custody. Source: 7News
James Morgan is back in police custody. Source: 7News

“I just heard something like bang, bang, bang and I looked at him and he just tried to use the axe to cut the rack,” witness Apple Tonkanya said.

The incident happened near the corner of North Terrace and Pulteney Street as nearby tradesmen scared Morgan away.

The bike’s owner Jade Buckley said it was lucky her lock held despite the axe strike and said she would consider parking inside when she next comes into the CBD.

Police at the Adelaide CBD scene. Source: 7News
Police at the Adelaide CBD scene. Source: 7News

Morgan’s lawyer told the court on his second appearance that his client suffers from schizophrenia.

The Port Pirie man was remanded in custody, pending a home detention report.

He faces a string of charges including attempted aggravated robbery, and will remain behind bars until the home detention report is complete.

Police at the scene. Source: 7News
Police at the scene. Source: 7News