Grim details emerged in court after an axe-wielding man was allegedly beaten to death with a scooter during a street brawl in April 2024. Kane Flanders, 32, is on trial in the NSW Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to murder.
Crown prosecutor Brendan Queenan told the jury that Ashley Morgan, 38, had allegedly brought an axe to the street outside Flanders' home. Morgan was reportedly in a state of panic after waking up in a friend's bedroom without his belongings, believing someone had stolen his drugs and was fleecing his bank accounts after taking his phone.
According to the prosecution, Morgan grabbed the axe because he was uncertain about what he would encounter. CCTV footage allegedly showed Morgan and his partner walking along the street, yelling abuse and swinging the axe at letterboxes.
Flanders and his brother reportedly came out of their homes and told the couple to quiet down because their dogs were distressed. The prosecutor stated that Flanders allegedly told his brother, "Hurry up bro, get me that little machete. This c*** is going to get chopped."
Andrew Cameron, Flanders' brother, allegedly retrieved a metal scooter from their verandah and brought it to Flanders. The court heard that Morgan fell to the ground after being struck with the scooter, and his head was allegedly stomped on. Police and paramedics found Morgan lying in the street, but he could not be revived.
Flanders allegedly told police he had been attacked with the axe. "I hit him, he's literally attacking me with an axe," he reportedly told an officer at the scene.
An autopsy found that Morgan died of blunt force head injuries. Cannabinoids and methamphetamine were detected in his system, the court was told.
Flanders has pleaded not guilty to murder, asserting that he acted in self-defense. The prosecution noted that if the jury cannot prove beyond reasonable doubt that Flanders did not act in self-defense, they could still find him guilty of manslaughter if they determine his actions were excessive. Flanders' barrister did not make an opening statement. The trial is scheduled to continue.
