SA court told Joseph Paul Chehade targeted Walter Ventura for home invasion, North Adelaide Oxford Hotel arson after they were business partners

After months of mystery, a court has finally heard allegations as to why a top SA food industry identity was subjected to a campaign of violent acts.

Top restaurateur Walter Ventura’s home was invaded, and he was attacked in front of his wife and two children, by a former business partner who then torched his building, a court has heard.

On Thursday, Joseph Paul Chehade – who has been in custody since July last year – asked the District Court to release him on strictly-monitored home detention bail.

Mr Chehade’s lawyer said he was not scheduled to face a jury until “either April or June, 2026”, meaning a near two-year remand prior to trial.

Judge Paul Muscat, however, said that delay could not offset the seriousness of Mr Chehade’s alleged offending – nor the need to protect Mr Ventura and his family.

Restaurateur Walter Ventura.

Joseph Paul Chehade.

“Mr Chehade and Mr Ventura were former business partners … there is CCTV footage depicting Mr Chehade causing damage to (their) business premises,” he said.

“He is alleged to have thrown an empty wine bottle at Mr Ventura, smashed a window of his home and then, in an aggressive and threatening manner, entered it.

“He is alleged to have asked Mr Ventura’s wife where he was, then proceeded up the stairs and pushed Mr Ventura, causing him to stumble down the stairs.

“While being verbally abusive, he picked up a broom and attacked Mr Ventura, who went into the rear yard to lead Mr Chehade away from his children, aged nine and 10.

“Mr Chehade allegedly threatened to return and kill Mr Ventura and his family … two weeks later, he’s alleged to have set fire to one of his buildings.

“It’s plain that this offending is extremely serious … Mr Ventura is well justified in fearing for his safety if Mr Chehade is released from custody.”

Fire at North Adelaide’s iconic Oxford Hotel in July 2024 Picture: Brenton Edwards

Mr Chehade 37, of North Adelaide, has pleaded not guilty to aggravated counts of assault, assault causing harm and serious criminal trespass in a place of residence.

He has also pleaded not guilty to one count each of arson and damaging property.

Previously, prosecutors have alleged the charges arise from a July 2024 invasion of Mr Ventura’s home and a million-dollar fire at the Oxford Hotel, North Adelaide.

On Thursday, Adam Richards, for Mr Chehade, said his client would “vigorously” defend the allegations – and denied any arson had been committed.

“That building not only had his business in it, but also all of his own personal effects and property,” he said.

“It would be a remarkably self-damaging event to have committed, if he was the person who committed it and if it was indeed an arson.”

Judge Muscat said Mr Chehade was already on bail for the alleged home invasion at the time he was arrested and charged with arson.

“In my view, Mr Chehade poses an unacceptable risk of reoffending … bail is refused,” he said.