Former Roebuck Bay Hotel manager Stewart Burchell found guilty on 10 sexual and indecent assault charges

A former manager of Broome’s famous Roebuck Bay Hotel has been found guilty of sexual and indecent assault.

Stewart Patrick Burchell faced 15 counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual penetration without consent, with the offences allegedly taking place between 2017 and 2023.

The 51-year-old was accused by former staff members and a patron of the hotel of indecent assault, with one accusing him of rape.

Burchell was found guilty on September 18 of nine indecent assault charges and one sexual penetration without consent charge. He was found not guilty on four other indecent assault charges.

According to his employment history on social media, Mr Burchell started working at the Roebuck Bay Hotel in October 2016 after being previously employed in managerial roles at various hospitality venues across Australia.

The Roebuck Bay Hotel, colloquially known as The Roey, is a popular Broome pub which has been known for years for its weekly wet T-shirt competitions.

After the allegations arose, Mr Burchell’s employment with the venue ceased.

Burchell was also previously charged with two other counts of indecent assault before the court ruled there was no case to answer on those charges.

Burchell was remanded in custody and will return to Broome District Court for sentencing on November 24.