Extraordinary moment raging bodybuilder comes to blows with staff member at a London gym
This is the extraordinary moment an angry bodybuilder gets into a fight with a member of staff at a trendy West London gym.
Other gym users had to rush to separate the pair after Paul Marsh, 41, reacted violently to the interruption of his workout.
The victim of last month’s flare-up attack at The Gym Group Fulham was staff member Jeremy Sowerbutts, who was knocked to the ground during the altercation.
The argument began when Mr Sowerbutts showed a potential new member around the gym and something he said or did during training upset Marsh.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard CCTV showed how a fight between weights and fitness training equipment broke out on February 20.
Mr Sowerbutts initially tried to reason with Marsh as he became increasingly angry, and at one point put a hand on his shoulder.
Then realizing he was about to be attacked, Mr Sowerbutts tried to throw a punch but missed.
He then adopted the defensive stance of a boxer, but Marsh responded with a devastating combination of blows that knocked the victim out.
The row began when Jeremy Sowerbutts showed a potential new recruit around his gym at Fulham and something he said or did during training upset Paul Marsh.
When Paul Marsh, 41, reacted violently to the interruption of his workout, other gym users had to rush to separate the pair.
Mr Sowerbutts (pictured) tried to reason with an increasingly angry Marsh and at one point put his hand on his shoulder. At least three gym members then rushed in to remove Marsh and save Mr Sowerbutts from serious injury
At least three gym members then rushed in to pull Marsh away and save Mr Sowerbutts from serious injury.
Prosecutor David Burns said: ‘Marsh overreacted, punching her repeatedly, which resulted in her falling to the ground and kicking while she was on the ground.’
Furious Marsh then angrily damaged a fire alarm, mirror and cupboard.
The court heard he was last convicted of violent offenses in 2017.
Garbinter Tamana, defending Marsh, said: ‘He raised the element of self-defence but clearly accepts that the way he acted was grossly disproportionate.
‘He was afraid of what would happen and that’s why he overreacted.
‘He showed remorse. ‘He is ashamed of his behaviour.’
Judge Jeffrey Manson said: ‘We find that it was extreme self-defense as opposed to a protracted attack.
‘We have taken into consideration your remorse and criminal complaint.
‘It was a very unpleasant attack.’
Marsh, of Upper Dartney Street, Chelsea, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
He was sentenced to 12 months community order, 20 days rehabilitation requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Marsh was also ordered to pay a total of £995, including £80 to The Gym Group for damage caused to the changing rooms.
