Gym dispute over antibacterial wipes turns into assault at coke machine at Kingston Zap Fitness

A 51-year-old Tassie man has faced court after losing his temper at a fellow gym-goer for failing to do what annoys many people when sharing workout equipment. See his punishment >>

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A DISPUTE about antibacterial wipes turned into a full-blown assault at Zap Fitness in Kingston last year.

Edward Arthur Morris, 51, appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to one count of common assault dating back to September 24.

Magistrate Reg Marron heard Morris had become angry that another gym-user wasn’t wiping down the equipment after use.

When the victim was using a tricep machine, Morris threw down an antibacterial wipe on the equipment in frustration.

The victim then approached Morris, saying “hey f…wit, what was that about?”

Morris grabbed the man by his throat and pushed him up against the Coke machine, the court heard.

Morris left the premises after staff called police.

With his actions captured by Zap’s CCTV, he was later arrested and spoken to by police.

Morris’ defence lawyer told Mr Marron that his client had post traumatic stress disorder and an intermittent explosive disorder, and that at the time of the offence, he was transitioning between two types of medication.

He also said Morris was remorseful.

Mr Marron did not record a conviction, but ordered Morris be of good behaviour for 18 months.

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