Waitress ‘put up hell of a fight’ against co-worker accused of attempted murder

A young waitress “put up a hell of a fight” against a co-worker accused of stalking her, who allegedly chased her around a restaurant attacking her with a carving knife, according to her sister.

Cameron William Leslie Clark, a 33-year-old who had been employed as a kitchen hand at the Easts Rugby League Club in Brisbane, has been charged with attempted murder, stalking and wounding.

Clark had been allegedly giving “unwanted and unsolicited attention” to his co-worker Zoe Samson-Wood, which led to him being sacked, Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham said.

Clark returned to the club in Coorparoo hours later, allegedly concealing a large blade.

Samson-Wood was cut down to the skull and suffered nerve damage requiring reconstructive surgery during the alleged attack, her sister said.

She thanked those who came to her sister’s aid. “Even if it gave Zoe an extra millisecond to get away, you saved her life.”

During the alleged attack, Clark pulled out the knife and “repeatedly stabbed and slashed” at Samson-Wood in a hallway that led to the main service area, police said.

A 61-year-old male chef stepped in and Samson-Wood escaped momentarily to the dining room.

“She was then set upon for a second time,” Massingham said.

Police arrived in minutes, where they found Clark being restrained by staff and a club patron.

Samson-Wood suffered serious cuts to her arm and head, as well a series of defensive wounds, Massingham said.

“It will be alleged the offender went there with a clear intent, and we are just so thankful that that intent was not fully realised.”

The 61-year-old was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the abdomen.

The detective said as many as eight people stepped in to hold Clark down and another woman was also injured.

Clark, who lives in Woolloongabba, remained in hospital on Monday and was awaiting surgery on his hand.

He was also charged with acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm and wounding in relation to two other alleged victims.

The matter was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, where it was adjourned until Friday.

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