Jonathon Paul Voll charged with aggravated sexual assault at work function in Nelson Bay

A well-known Port Stephens businessman and hospitality entrepreneur has fronted court in a bid for freedom after being charged with the alleged sexual assault of a woman at a late night work function.

Port Stephens Hospitality entrepreneur Jonathon Voll has been charged over a sexual assault at Nelson Bay on September 3rd, 2024. Picture: Facebook

A prominent Hunter businessman has been accused of a violent sexual assault at a late night work function, all captured on CCTV.

Co-owner of iconic waterfront restaurant Mavericks on the Bay, Jonathon Paul Voll, spent the night in custody after being arrested at Nelson Bay on Tuesday.

The former Business Port Stephens board member and hospitality entrepreneur was charged with sexual intercourse without consent, take person in company with intent to commit a serious indictable offence, aggravated sexual assault – deprive liberty and common assault.

The 43-year-old appeared via video link at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Wednesday dressed in a white shirt as the charge of take person in company with intent to commit a serious indictable offence was withdrawn.

Jonathon Voll has been charged over a sexual assault and was refused bail. Facebook.

Voll’s Sydney solicitor Elie Rahme made an application to have him released and said his client had obligations to his family, with a pregnant wife at home, and employees being a primary operator of hospitality businesses in the Port Stephens bay area.

The court heard Voll had been at a work function at one of his business premises in Nelson Bay where a number of people were drinking.

A triple-0 call at 12.45am was made by a passer-by who had allegedly heard a woman screaming.

The court further heard when officers arrived, a woman yelled “help me” and was observed with no shoes on and looked “dishevelled” before they went inside and found the 43-year-old with her underwear in his pocket.

While the woman couldn’t remember the alleged sexual assault due to intoxication, she could remember having an argument with Voll who allegedly grabbed her when she tried to get away and tackled her to the ground, the court heard.

Voll is co-owner of Maverick on the Bay in Nelson Bay. Picture: Generic

The court heard the entire alleged incident was caught on CCTV which Magistrate Justin Peach said had depicted the woman saying “no” when he tried to lift up her dress and told her to “stop fighting me, why are you fighting me” before sexually assaulting her.

As Voll put his face in his hands Mr Rahme explained that his client had no prior criminal history, was born in Newcastle and had links to the Port Stephens area.

He said his partner wanted him home for the impending birth of their first child and was willing to put up $25,000 in surety.

Mr Rahme said Voll was willing to have a 24-hour curfew, strict bail conditions and that it was not a case where he had great motivation to try and reach out to the complainant.

Police prosecutor Mathew Barry said his detention was justified with CCTV footage of the alleged incident which contained audio making it an “extremely” strong case.

Magistrate Peach agreed it was very serious and the facts reflected a strong prosecution case.

He said matters like these “are difficult” and he could be facing a significant and serious custodial sentence.

Bail was refused with Magistrate Peach noting the alleged violence was captured on CCTV.

Voll’s matters were adjourned until late October.