Paul Justin Smyth has entered a plea over an alleged stabbing attack on Zap Fitness gym-goer
A homeless man accused of an “unprovoked” and “frenzied” stabbing attack on a gym-goer in broad daylight has entered a plea.
The Launceston News
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THE homeless man accused of stabbing an unsuspecting gym goer in the face and head in Kings Meadows in July has pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Paul Justin Smyth, 45, of no fixed address, appeared via video link to Launceston Magistrates Court on Friday and was represented by defence lawyer Lucy Flanagan.
It is alleged Mr Smyth attacked the 32-year-old gym goer at Zap Fitness on Hobart Rd in Kings Meadows just before 9am on July 1.
He was arrested at a McDonalds store in Kings Meadows 18 hours later.
Related charges of unlawfully using a dangerous article in a public place and unlawfully possessing a dangerous article in a public place were adjourned to a later date.
Magistrate Ken Stanton set the major offence down for trial in the Supreme Court in Launceston.
He will appear in court next on November 16.
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