Man was "swinging" knife around before gym stabbing (From News Shopper)

Man was "swinging" knife around before Sydenham gym stabbing

9:26am Friday 25th May 2012 in Crime By Rachel Conner

A MAN who stabbed two people following a row over gym equipment was "swinging" a knife around as the victims backed away, a court has heard.

James Campbell, 30, of Bayes Close, Sydenham, denies two charges of wounding with intent and carrying an offensive weapon.

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

Gym staff member Joe Chapple was stabbed as he tried to intervene in an argument between Campbell and gym user Jason Thompson.

He told Woolwich Crown Court he was alerted by another gym user to the incident and as he was going over saw Mr Thompson swinging an iron bar at Campbell.

He added Campbell then responded by waving a knife around.

He said: "Jay (Campbell) was swinging the knife towards us. We were both backing away. He was coming towards us."

Mr Chapple told the court he had already separated them earlier and had told Campbell, who he knew as a regular gym member, he was going to get himself into trouble.