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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Jury told accused used a 'Razor' scooter to kill axe-wielding man

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • A jury heard that a Razor-branded scooter was allegedly used as a weapon in a fatal street brawl.
  • Kane Flanders, 32, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ash Morgan, 38, in Raymond Terrace in April 2024.
  • Prosecutors allege Flanders threatened to kill Morgan and struck him with the scooter during the altercation.

A Supreme Court jury has been told that a Razor-branded scooter was allegedly used as the murder weapon in a violent street clash that resulted in the death of a man armed with an axe. Kane Flanders, 32, stands accused of murdering 38-year-old Ash Morgan during a street fight in Raymond Terrace, north of Newcastle, in the early hours of April 9, 2024.

Hurry up bro. Get me that little machete … this [guy] is gonna get chopped.

— Kane FlandersProsecutor Brendan Queenan told the jury that Flanders allegedly made this statement during the altercation.

During the opening address, Crown prosecutor Brendan Queenan informed the court that Mr. Morgan had arrived at the scene armed with an axe, reportedly angered by people taking his phone and drugs. Witnesses are expected to testify that Mr. Morgan was smashing a letterbox and yelling, prompting Flanders to challenge him. Queenan stated that Flanders allegedly said, "Hurry up bro. Get me that little machete … this [guy] is gonna get chopped," and "I am going to take this f***ing guy's head off."

The altercation, which lasted several minutes, was reportedly captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage. The jury heard that after Mr. Morgan began walking away, a witness handed Mr. Flanders a Razor scooter. Witnesses then heard heavy noises and urged Flanders to stop. Police arriving at the scene found Mr. Morgan lying in the middle of the road with a woman crying over him. An axe was discovered on the road near Mr. Morgan's feet.

I am going to take this f***ing guy's head off.

— Kane FlandersProsecutor Brendan Queenan told the jury that Flanders allegedly made this threat during the altercation.

When questioned by police at the scene, Mr. Flanders reportedly claimed he had an axe and that the victim had attacked him. The prosecution alleges that Mr. Flanders swung the scooter at Mr. Morgan. Mr. Flanders has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. The trial is expected to continue for up to five weeks.

The accused said he had an axe, he come at me, he clobbered me with an axe.

— Kane FlandersThe prosecutor told the jury that Flanders made this statement to police at the scene.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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