Former manager of famous WA pub found guilty of rape, indecent assault

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A former manager of one of Western Australia’s most famous outback pubs has been found guilty of sexually abusing women who worked for him, including the rape of a backpacker.

The verdict in the case of Stewart Patrick Burchell was handed down after an eight-day trial in the state’s district court, sitting in the tourist town of Broome.

Stewart Burchell walks up the steps of Broome Courthouse last week.

He was found guilty of nine counts of indecent assault and one count of rape, but was acquitted of four other counts of indecent assault.

Burchell sat emotionless in the dock as the verdict to each charge was read out. He was supported by friends in the public gallery of the court throughout the trial.

Burchell was a manager for the Roebuck Bay Hotel for seven years when detectives raided the pub in 2023, and charged him with indecently assaulting five workers at the venue, and raping another.

The complainants said the incidents happened between 2017 and 2023, with the women’s roles at the bar during the time of the alleged incidents ranging from a skimpy barmaid, two bar staff, two security officers and a manager.

Each woman said he indecently assaulted them at venues owned by the Roebuck Bay Hotel, or in staff accommodation.

Burchell came to Broome in 2016 to work at the hotel after years spent working in hospitality on the east coast, including on Queensland’s famous Fraser Island.