A kitchenhand has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly stabbed a female colleague just hours after being sacked from a busy Brisbane leagues club. Police allege that Cameron William Leslie Clark, aged 33, was fired by the Easts Leagues Club in Coorparoo, Brisbane, on Thursday afternoon due to inappropriate behaviour towards a 20-year-old female co-worker.
Violent Attack Unfolds at Club
The Woolloongabba man returned to the club approximately three hours later, where he allegedly confronted and attacked the young waitress with a carving knife. She sustained stab wounds to her head, hands, and wrist during the initial assault. A 61-year-old chef also suffered stab wounds when he bravely attempted to intervene and stop the attack.
Second Stabbing and Public Intervention
Clark allegedly then followed the waitress into the dining area and stabbed her a second time, prompting shocked diners to step in and help restrain him until police arrived on the scene. The injured woman was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she underwent surgery and is now reported to be in a stable condition.
The chef was also taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a female member of the public received treatment for a minor wound on her arm. Cameron Clark remains in hospital under police guard following the incident.
Multiple Charges Laid
Clark has since 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 will remain in custody over the weekend and is scheduled to face court on Monday.
Police Describe Life-Altering Event
Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham commented on the severity of the incident, stating, 'For everyone in the club yesterday afternoon, this is a life-altering event. Those people that were physically injured, those people that witnessed the event, they will forever remember what occurred yesterday.'
He added, 'I think we are very lucky and fortunate today that I'm not here discussing a more serious outcome.' Massingham also clarified that Clark and the young waitress were not in a relationship and did not know each other outside of their workplace.
Club Reopens and Reassures Public
Easts Leagues Club reopened on Friday and emphasised that there are no ongoing safety concerns. The club wrote on Facebook, 'Our thoughts are with everyone involved during this difficult time. We want to acknowledge the bravery and compassion our team, members and community have shown following last night's incident.'
The statement continued, 'Our security processes are robust and we want to reassure that our venue is safe.' The club noted that Clark had gone to the venue on his day off after receiving written notice that his employment had been terminated.
