Three men charged after alleged brawl at Hunter venue in Buttai

newy.com.au – Three men have been charged after an alleged brawl at a licensed venue on Lings Road, Buttai, about 11.30pm on Saturday 10 January 2026 about 30 minutes after closure.

Officers from Hunter Valley Police District were called to reports of a fight and were told the trio assaulted four other men, with one allegedly armed with a knife. The three men were arrested after allegedly attempting to leave the scene in a vehicle before being stopped by police.

A 37-year-old man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, choking a person with intent to commit an indictable offence, affray, and stalking or intimidation with intent to cause fear of physical harm (personal). He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 on Sunday, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 18 March 2026.

A 33-year-old man was charged with three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and common assault. He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 on Sunday, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

A 29-year-old man was charged with common assault and affray. Police said he remained in hospital under guard and was due to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Monday 12 January 2026.

The four other men, two aged 52, 57 and 61, were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries, police said. Inquiries into the incident were continuing.

Anyone with information was urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the NSW Crime Stoppers website.

Join the discussion on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/newy878/posts/pfbid0ZfjFwWPHdD3uDL2jFCfgTUhH2pN6mP8jywYG9WCgKK1qJ2fSgZqHj9ZNEUZckftKl