Men stabbed at gym over argument about weights (From News Shopper)

Men stabbed at gym over argument about weights

3:28pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in Bromley By Rachel Conner

TWO men were stabbed following an argument over weights at a gym, a court has heard.

James Campbell, 29, of Bayes Close, Sydenham, denies stabbing Jason Thompson and Joe Chapple and carrying an offensive weapon.

The alleged attack took place at the Bridge leisure centre in Kangley Bridge Road, Sydenham on January 3rd.

Mr Thompson, 41, told Woolwich Crown Court he had gone to the gym at about 2.30pm and was working out on a weights machine when Campbell approached him to ask if he was nearly finished using that piece of equipment.

He said he had told him he had one set left but did not think Campbell had heard him so he repeated his answer.

He added that Campbell asked him what his problem was before taking something out of his pocket.

The pair were then separated by another gym user and Mr Thompson went outside before returning to the gym.

Mr Thompson told the court he was approached again by Campbell, who pulled a knife out and stabbed him, before chasing him around the gym.

Mr Thompson, who received a 2cm wound during the incident, said he had picked up a pole to defend himself after Campbell had chased him around the gym several times.

Campbell claims he was acting in self defence and that he had wrestled the knife off Mr Thompson after he pulled it out during the first argument.

Guy Ladenburg, prosecuting, said: "The defendent had carried a knife to the gym. He was volatile and aggressive from the outset. He was the aggressor at all stages of this incident."

Joe Chapple, one of the gym staff members, was also stabbed as he tried to intervene.

The trial continues.