Three men have been charged following a violent brawl at a licensed venue in the Hunter Valley, where a knife was allegedly used during the altercation.
Police from the Hunter Valley Police District were called to the Full Throttle Bar on Lings Road, Buttai, about 11.30pm on Saturday, 10 January 2026, following reports of a fight involving multiple patrons.
Officers were told three men allegedly assaulted four other men during the incident. Police allege one of the attackers was armed with a knife at the time of the brawl.
Following the altercation, the three men allegedly attempted to flee the scene in a vehicle but were stopped nearby 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 to commit an indictable offence, choking a person with intent to commit an indictable offence, affray, and stalk or intimidate with intent to cause fear of physical harm. He was refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 on Sunday, 11 January 2026. He is due to face 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 also refused bail and appeared before Bail Division Court 2 on Sunday. He is scheduled to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
A third man, aged 29, was charged with common assault and affray. He remains in hospital under police guard and is expected to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Monday, 12 January 2026.
The four alleged victims, aged 52, 57 and 61, were taken to hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
