A CHAMPION bodybuilder has gone on trial for opening his gym during lockdown.

Strongman Eddy Ellwood, 58, said people using his Xtreme Fitness premises in Hartlepool were engaged in a peaceful protest against the coronavirus restrictions last year.

The former Mr Universe denies four charges relating to alleged breaches of Covid-19 legislation on two dates in February last year.

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Ellwood, whose address was given as that of this business, faces two charges that he contravened a direction from the local council by allowing people to enter the premises, other than to work, and two charges that he contravened a prohibition notice.

Sitting at Teesside Magistrates’ Court, District Judge Marie Mallon rejected an application by the defence that the prosecution comprised an abuse of process.

Charles Holland, prosecuting, said it was not accepted that people using the gym were engaging in a protest against the lockdown regulations.

He said: “Rather than being a protest, it was a sham.”

The court was told that Ellwood had been in correspondence with the council about opening, and claimed that gym users were acting as a suicide support group due to the number of people who had taken their own life during the pandemic.

The trial continues and is expected to finish on Friday.

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