Smoglian released to Kangaroo Island
on bail but requests travel to Melbourne
By DANIEL CLARKE
27/08/26
A Kingscote gym owner charged with rape and assault was granted bail to return to Kangaroo Island yesterday but interjected to ask for an "alteration" to his strict release conditions in order to cross state borders "to grab my car".
The bizarre request to travel to Melbourne drew shocked laughter from the court's public gallery, and Magistrate Justin Wickens quickly shut down the idea, saying: “No you can’t, you are not to leave the state.”
The Island Independent attended Kenneth Paul Smoglian’s hearing in the Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday, in which he was released on $500 supervised bail before his next court appearance in October.
Appearing via video link, the 39-year-old American River man, known locally as Smogdog, said he needed bail so that he could sell his gym business in Kingscote and leave the island for good.
“I’m no longer interested in being on Kangaroo Island and I kind of want to part ways with it,” he said. “I just want to get back, sell my business and move on with my life.”
Prosecutors said Mr Smoglian posed a flight risk because he has no ties to South Australia apart from his island businesses.
When asked by Magistrate Wickens if he possessed a passport, Mr Smoglian initially said that it had expired before adding that he had “lost it”.
"So the short answer is no, I do not," he said.
After being told he was unable to leave South Australia, Mr Smoglian raised his hand and asked the court’s permission to retrieve his car from his nephew interstate.
“I’m aware that I am unable to leave the state. I wouldn’t be able to go to Melbourne just to grab my car to drive it back again to South Australia?” he asked.
Mr Smoglian has yet to plead to one count each of assault, indecent assault and engaging in sexual intercourse without consent. It was his second bail bid after he abandoned his first application last month.
Prosecutors asked for Mr Smoglian’s bail to include a ban on visiting specific Kangaroo Island suburbs unless for medical appointments, to not contact, approach or be within 50m of his alleged victim.
The former boxer, originally from Melbourne, opened popular Kingscote gym Island Fitness in 2021. The premises closed its doors last month.