A Sydney man accused of assaulting staff and damaging several poker machines at the Hurley Group’s Arkaba Hotel has been released into home detention, after being detained by workers.
Around 2pm on Sunday afternoon police were called to the Hotel in Fullarton, responding to reports of a disturbance.
Samuel William Ajal, 34, from Guildford in western Sydney, was said to have gotten aggressive and damaged three EGMs. Staff had attempted to intervene and were allegedly assaulted, but they were able to restrain the man until authorities arrived and arrested him.
He appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court before Magistrate David McLeod, charged with two counts of assault and one of damage property. He did not enter any pleas.
Police will allege Ajal damaged the machines, and a very early estimate put the damage bill at more than $80K, which classified it as a major indictable offence, under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act.
However, the amount is now in doubt and may be considerably lower, which may affect the charges.
Counsel for the defence told the court Ajal’s “partner, mum, brothers and his sisters” all live in South Australia, and he would live with his partner under home detention, in Fullarton, adding “He intends to stay in South Australia for the foreseeable future”.
The police prosecutor did not oppose the bail on home detention, on the proviso Ajal supplied a South Australian address.
Magistrate McLeod barred Ajal from the Arkaba and ordered he not come within 10 metres of the establishment. McLeod set bail in the amount of $1K and granted the home detention.
Ajal will return to court early 2025.
A stark counterpoint to the Hotel’s accolades at the AHA|SA 2024 Awards for Excellence in October, GM Sam McInnes said it has proven another reason to appreciate their family.
“Several staff restrained the man until police arrived soon after the incident. One staff member received scratches to his arms, and after a medical check is in good health and good spirits.
“We are very appreciative of our team going over and above to ensure the safety of customers and other staff.”
