A Brisbane kitchen hand has been charged with multiple offences, including attempted murder, after allegedly launching a violent stabbing attack on a female colleague and others at a local leagues club, just hours after being sacked over claims of inappropriate behaviour towards her.
Alleged Attack Unfolds at Easts Leagues Club
Cameron William Leslie Clark, aged 33, allegedly charged at a 20-year-old waitress inside Easts Leagues Club at Coorparoo while armed with a knife around 5.10pm on Thursday. Police reports indicate that Clark produced a large carving knife when he encountered the woman in a hallway leading to the main dining room, stabbing her repeatedly in a sudden and brutal assault.
Heroic Intervention and Further Violence
A 61-year-old chef from Graceville intervened to aid the waitress, suffering a stab wound to the stomach in the process. This act of bravery allowed the waitress to escape into the main dining area, where approximately 40 patrons were having dinner. However, Clark allegedly pursued her there, attacking her again in full view of the diners.
During this chaotic scene, a 41-year-old female diner from Coorparoo also stepped in to help and was stabbed, sustaining a 4cm laceration. Bystanders eventually managed to restrain Clark before police arrived and arrested him, preventing further harm.
Severe Injuries and Hospitalisations
The waitress, a Norman Park woman, was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital with critical injuries, including a 10cm head wound, a 10cm laceration to her wrist, and multiple defensive wounds to her hands that required stitches. She remained in hospital on Friday, recovering from the traumatic incident.
Clark was also taken to hospital under police guard, with significant injuries to his wrist and hand. Police seized a large carving knife from the scene, noting that it was not sourced from the club, suggesting premeditation in the attack.
Dismissal and Alleged Motive
Queensland Police Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham revealed that Clark had been on his day off when he received written notice of his dismissal around 2pm on Thursday. The dismissal was related to what was described as "unwanted and unsolicited attention" towards the waitress, which had caused her significant distress.
Massingham emphasised that the pair were not in a relationship and did not know each other outside of work, highlighting the incident as a severe case of workplace-related violence. He described the event, captured on CCTV from multiple angles, as "confronting" and noted that it "unravelled very quickly," expressing relief that the outcome was not more serious due to the intervention of bystanders.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Clark, who resides in Woolloongabba, has been charged with one count each of attempted murder, unlawful stalking, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, unlawful wounding, and going armed to cause fear. He is scheduled to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, where the full extent of the allegations will be addressed.
Detective Superintendent Massingham commented on the intent behind the attack, stating, "It will be alleged the offender went there with a clear intent, I have no doubt about that, and we are just so thankful that that intent was not fully realised." The crime scene has been described as "confronting," underscoring the gravity of the incident and its impact on the community.
