Stewart Burchell: Former Roebuck Bay Hotel manager arrested for allegedly refusing to leave Broome Turf Club

The former manager of Broome’s infamous Roebuck Bay Hotel — who is on bail after being charged with a string of sexual offences — was sensationally arrested at the Broome Airport after allegedly refusing to leave the local racetrack. Stewart Patrick Burchell appeared in Broome Magistrates Court on Wednesday over two fresh charges, including a count of breaching protective bail conditions on June 8 and failing to leave a licensed premises on June 15. The Broome Advertiser has confirmed that the charge from June 15 relates to Mr Burchell allegedly refusing to leave Broome Turf Club in Minyirr on Saturday. The 50-year-old was seen at the Broome Turf Club by this masthead walking around the premises wearing a cap and sunglasses and carrying a drink, believed to be beer, that afternoon. Hundreds gathered for the day, which included a fashion show, live music and a game of two-up. WA Police confirmed that a 50-year-old man was arrested at Broome International Airport on June 18 after he allegedly refused to leave the racetrack when asked to do so. The Broome Advertiser has been told that Mr Burchell was arrested on a plane at the airport, while the circumstances of his alleged bail breach remain unknown. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and is due to appear in court again on September 2 for a trial allocation date. A spokesperson from the Broome Turf Club refused to comment on the incident. It comes after Mr Burchell pleaded not guilty to 25 charges — including unlawful and indecent assault, supplying cocaine and rape — and had his bail renewed. At the time of the initial alleged offences, Mr Burchell was employed at the Roebuck Bay Hotel — a popular Broome pub known for its Thursday night wet-T-shirt competitions. He is set to face court over the alleged drug and sex offences on August 27.