A 41-year-old man who was granted bail following his arrest at Sydney Airport has been re-arrested less than 24 hours later after allegedly assaulting multiple people at Central Station.
The man first came to police attention on Wednesday morning when Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers confronted him at Sydney Airport. According to reports, he became aggressive when approached by officers, resulting in a scuffle. During the altercation, police forced him to the ground, and one officer’s short-barrelled rifle was unintentionally discharged. No injuries were reported from the gunshot, but the man was taken into custody. He was later charged and released on conditional bail.
By Thursday afternoon, however, he was allegedly involved in another violent episode. At around 4:40 p.m., New South Wales Police were called to the Suburban Concourse of Central Station following reports of assaults.
Witnesses said the 41-year-old approached a 45-year-old man and punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground and leaving him with a nosebleed. The suspect then allegedly struck two other men in the head as he moved through the busy concourse.
Police also allege that he attempted to steal a bag from a 20-year-old man during the incident. Officers intervened before the theft could be completed and arrested him on the spot. While in custody, the man reportedly shoved a male constable in the chest, adding to the list of charges.
He has since been charged with multiple offences, including common assault, attempted stealing, and assaulting police. Unlike his earlier release, bail was refused this time, and he is set to face court today.
The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about how quickly the man was able to reoffend after being granted conditional bail. Authorities have not disclosed the exact terms of his initial bail, but the swift re-arrest has prompted scrutiny of bail decisions in cases involving violent behavior.
The AFP confirmed that the firearm discharge at Sydney Airport on Wednesday was accidental and occurred during the struggle to restrain the man. While the weapon was fired, no one was injured in the incident, which unfolded in a secure area of the airport.
NSW Police and AFP have not released the suspect’s name but confirmed that he remains in custody pending a court appearance.
The twin incidents — one at the country’s busiest airport and the other at Sydney’s central transport hub — have also highlighted broader security concerns about violent behavior in public spaces. Both locations were crowded at the time, raising fears about the potential for more serious injuries had the situations escalated further.
Court proceedings are expected to determine whether the man will remain in custody or face further bail conditions while awaiting trial on the new charges.
