Court releases CCTV footage of David Champion attacking car buyer with gun

A heroic elderly man had blood dripping down his face as he chased the man who viciously attacked him over a car sale. Watch the video.

A heroic elderly man chased after an attacker who viciously bashed him with a gun to try to save his car from being stolen, shocking CCTV footage reveals.

David Steven Champion, 41, was jailed for six years after he launched the violent attack on the unsuspecting man because he felt cheated by a car sale.

During sentencing, the District Court heard Champion sold a vehicle to the victim for $2000 after advertising it on Gumtree in November 2021.

In March 2022 Champion sent the victim, who was in his 70s, a text message asking if he would sell the vehicle back to him.

After some failed meetings, Champion attended the victim’s Woodville Park warehouse in March 2023.

David Champion was jailed for the vicious attack. Photo: Courts SA

He continually struck the victim with the gun while he was on the ground. Photo: Courts SA

Champion asked the victim where the nearest bank was and the victim turned to check the computer.

The CCTV footage shows Champion pulling a firearm from his jacket and striking the victim to the back of the head with the firearm as he sat with his back to him.

Champion hits the man with the fiream several times, with the victim falling to the ground.

The footage shows Champion continuing to strike the victim while he was on the ground and appearing to point the firearm at him.

Champion then grabs the keys from the victim’s desk and got into the driver’s seat of the vehicle.

The courageous victim, who has blood running down his face, then uses a carjack handle to smash the driver’s side window in an attempt to stop Champion.

Champion, of Elizabeth Downs, pleaded guilty to causing harm with intent, theft using force and possessing a firearm without a licence.

The victim was conveyed to hospital and was treated for multiple lacerations to his face, head, elbow, forearm and finger, with his wounds requiring a total of 23 stitches.

The court heard Champion had “seller’s regret” and felt cheated by the sale after believing the vehicle was worth much more than $2000.

The court heard Champion – who was drug affected on the day of the offending – was very remorseful and realised his violence was inappropriate.

Champion was sentenced to six years and nine months jail, with a non-parole period of four years.

“Mr Champion, this was a terrifying and sustained ordeal for the victim, who posed no threat to you,” Judge Joanne Tracey said.

“In his statement (the victim) says that while the physical scars will heal in time, the emotional scars will stay with him and his family forever.”

The sentence was backdated to June 2, 2023.