Island gym owner faces court accused of rape

15/07/26

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Well-known Kangaroo Island gym owner Kenneth Smoglian has faced court accused of assaulting, indecently assaulting and raping a woman.

 

The 39-year-old man appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today requesting bail. He was arrested by police last month and has yet to plead to the charges.

 

The former boxer, known locally as "Smog Dog", has run popular Kingscote gym Island Fitness since 2021, providing personal training, group classes and boxing for islanders of all ages. He briefly opened a second gym in American River and was a KI Future Leaders participant in 2024.  

 

​Counsel for Mr Smoglian asked he be bailed to his home address under the supervision of the Department for Correctional Services.

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“Originally, we sought home detention bail but were advised that DCS cannot monitor home detention on Kangaroo Island,” she said.

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“He’s not originally from SA, he has no family support on the mainland, and his business is going into financial decline with him in custody.”

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A SA Police prosecutor opposed to bail due to “significant concern” Mr Smoglian may approach, encounter or go near the alleged victim.

 

Mr Smoglian then raised his hand and interrupted, saying: “I’m happy to stay away from (her location) if you deem me eligible.”

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Speaking over the top of lawyers – and against the orders of a judge – Mr Smoglian insisted he would “abide by any conditions” if released.

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The state’s chief magistrate, Judge Mary-Louise Hribal, told Mr Smoglian to speak “through his lawyer” rather than interrupt the court.

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SA Police said the case was not that simple because home detention monitoring is not available on the island, meaning his alleged victim may be left feeling unsafe.

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Mr Smoglian, they allege, knew the woman “was not consenting” to sex or was “being recklessly indifferent as to whether she consented”.

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Judge Hribal ordered a bail inquiry report and remanded him in custody until next week.