Fitness guru Kelly Martinovich tells of terror as business partner Martyn Williams cops sledgehammer fine

The incensed business partner of former Aerobics Oz Style star Kelly Martinovich has been fined for storming into their jointly-owned gym carrying a sledgehammer in a bid to scare the high-profile fitness instructor. Martyn Joseph Williams, 49, had spent more than a decade in partnership with Ms Martinovich, building up their Shredded fitness business based in Innaloo. But by last year, the relationship was toxic — with Williams’ directorship gone, and rancorous arguments over money, equipment and ownership. It had turned so sour that on August 4, the 44-year-old mother applied for a restraining order against her long-time fitness colleague. And at 7.48am the following day, shocked gym-goers saw — and CCTV cameras captured — Williams charging through the front entrance of the gym holding the sledgehammer by his side, while angrily yelling at Ms Martinovich. She immediately ran, telling him to talk to his lawyers, and pleading with staff to call the police. And two of those staff were so concerned that they fronted their former boss, snatching the sledgehammer from his hands — while he threw a punch. The shocking confrontation led to Williams being charged by police with going armed to cause fear, an allegation he denied. And at a Perth Magistrates Court trial on Thursday, those allegations were put to the test, with Ms Martinovich telling the court how a business dispute had turned personal — and intimidating — on that morning. “Marty was coming straight towards me – he had a sledgehammer, he was yelling and screaming,” Ms Martinovich said. “At first I thought he had an axe, I was in quite a state.” Other witnesses said so was Williams. Chris Creek, the trainer who confronted Williams, said he was “aggressive and intimidating”, and reluctant to give up the sledgehammer. But giving evidence, Williams claimed that is exactly what he was there to do — return the sledgehammer, which had been used in the gym previously in fitness routines. “That was all I was willing to give back … because I don’t use it anymore,” he said. “My intention was to return it to the gym. “I was in a heightened state. I had been essentially screwed over, and removed from my directorship. I was angry.” Williams said the supposed return of the metre-long hammer was a “cheeky” move. But police prosecutors said the clear intention of barging into the gym with the hammer had been to frighten Ms Martinovich. And magistrate Belinda Coleman agreed. “Mr Williams grabbed the sledgehammer to take it to the gym to scare Ms Martinovich — he did so because he was incensed,” the magistrate said “To accept the proposition that at the time he entered the gym with the sledgehammer his intention was to return it … is absurd. “At the time … Mr Williams intended to cause Ms Martinovich to be fearful that someone would be injured or disabled by the sledgehammer, either herself or someone who might come to protect her. “I have absolutely no doubt that was his intention.” She fined Williams $800, and granted him a spent conviction for what she described as a “brain snap.” Ms Martinovich was not in court to hear the verdict. But she could be back in another court as early as next week, as her son Jaden continues to be accused of murdering a 17-year-old boy during a botched drug deal. It’s alleged Mr Martinovich stabbed the 17-year-old during a physical struggle in a car park in North Perth’s Bourke over a clip-seal bag full of salt, which he pretended was methamphetamine. He has yet to enter a plea.