Three men have been charged after a brawl at a licenced venue in the Hunter region.
About 11.30pm (Saturday 10 January 2026), officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District responded to reports of a brawl at a licenced venue on Lings Road, Buttai.
Police were told three men – one of whom was allegedly armed with a knife – assaulted four other men.
The three men allegedly attempted to leave in a vehicle; however, were stopped by police.
All three were arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
A 37-year-old man was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, armed with intent commit indictable offence, choke person intend to commit indictable offence, affray, and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal).
He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 11 January 2026), 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 assault occasioning actual bodily harm, affray and common assault.
He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 today (Sunday 11 January 2026), 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.
He remains in hospital under police guard and will appear before Bail Division Court 2 tomorrow (Monday 12 January 2026)
The four other men – two aged 52, 57 and 61 – were taken to hospital for treatment of injuries.
Inquiries into the incident continue.