This is the extraordinary moment when a raging bodybuilder comes to blows with a staff member at a fashionable west London gym.
Other gym users had to rush in to pull the pair apart when pumped up Paul Marsh, 41, reacted violently to his workout being interrupted.
The victim of the flare up attack at The Gym Group Fulham last month was staff member Jeremy Sowerbutts who was knocked to the floor during the altercation.
The row began when Mr Sowerbutts was showing a potential new member around the gym and something he said or did offended Marsh as he worked out.
CCTV showed how the altercation amid weights and fitness training equipment unfolded on 20 February, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.
Mr Sowerbutts initially tried to reason with Marsh as he became increasingly angry, at one point putting a hand on his shoulder.
Then realising that he was about to come under attack Mr Sowerbutts tried to throw a punch but missed.
He then adopted a boxer’s defensive stance – but Marsh hit back with a devastating combination of blows to send the victim sprawling to the floor.
At least three gym members then waded in to pull Marsh away and save Mr Sowerbutts from serious injury.
David Burns, prosecuting, said: ‘Marsh overreacted, punched him numerous times, resulting in him falling to the floor, kicked him whilst on the floor.’
Furious Marsh then damaged a fire alarm, mirror and locker in rage.
He has previous convictions for offences of violence, most recently in 2017, the court heard.
Garbinter Tamana, defending Marsh, said: ‘He has raised an element of self defence but he obviously accepts that it was very disproportionate that he acted in this way.
‘He was scared as to what was going to happen and that’s the reason he overreacted.
‘He has demonstrated remorse. He’s ashamed of his behaviour.’
Magistrate Jeffrey Manson said: ‘We find there was excessive self defence as opposed to a prolonged assault.
‘We’ve taken into account your remorse and your guilty plea.
‘It was a very unpleasant assault.’
Marsh, of Upper Dartney Street, Chelsea, admitted assault causing actual bodily harm and criminal damage.
He was sentenced to a 12 month community order, with 20 days of rehabilitation requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work.
Marsh was also asked to pay a total of £995 including £80 to The Gym Group for damage to the changing rooms.
