Accused gym stabber denied bail in brief Launceston court appearance

The 45-year-old man accused of stabbing another man in a Northern gym was denied bail in a brief court appearance today.

Police investigate a "random" knife attack at Zap Fitness in Kings Meadows. Picture: PATRICK GEE

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THE man accused of stabbing an unsuspecting gym goer in the face and head at Kings Meadows on Wednesday has appeared in Launceston Magistrates Court.

Paul Justin Smyth, 45, of no fixed address, was charged with committing an act intended to cause grievous bodily harm after being arrested at a McDonalds store in Kings Meadows before 9am.

He appeared in court briefly via video link before Magistrate Sharon Cure on Friday.

The matter was adjourned without plea and Mr Smyth was denied bail.

Police investigate an incident at Zap Fitness in Kings Meadows. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Mr Smyth was remanded in custody to appear on 23 July.

Detective Inspector Kim Steven on Thursday said Mr Smyth was taken into custody without incident 18 hours after the alleged “random” attack on a 32-year-old at Zap Fitness on Hobart Rd.

He said the alleged victim was using gym equipment when he was stabbed at least twice in the head from behind in a “frenzied” and “unprovoked” attack from a stranger.

The 32-year-old alleged victim was treated at the Launceston General Hospital and received internal and external stitches to his cheek, his temple and defensive wounds on his hands.