Arsonist Jailed Over $1.5 Million Hotel Fire

Joseph Chehade, 39, has been sentenced to five years in prison for a "consistent campaign of terror" against his former business partner, which culminated in the arson of a complex housing the Oxford Hotel in North Adelaide. The judge described Chehade's behavior as a consequence of losing control of his life after severing ties with his partner on July 13, 2023.

“

I agree with the submission advanced by your counsel that your behaviour at the time of this offending came about as a consequence of you having completely lost control of your life.

Chehade's offending began with smashing windows at his former partner Walter Ventura's home, followed by a violent assault. He pushed Ventura down stairs and struck him multiple times with a broom handle. Ventura's wife and children witnessed the attack, with the children reportedly believing Chehade was going to kill their father. The judge noted the extreme concern that this offense occurred in the vicinity of young children.

“

You embarked on a consistent campaign of terror against your victim, having lost all self-control.

Following his arrest and release on bail for the assault, Chehade came to police attention again on July 27, 2024, after starting a fire at the business complex. While Chehade claimed no memory of lighting the fire and denied it was an act of retribution, the judge was satisfied that the deliberate use of accelerant in two locations indicated a planned act stemming from "fixated discontent" towards the victim.

“

You pushed the victim part way down the stairs and verbally abused him. You then picked up a broomstick and struck the victim on multiple occasions, approximately 10 times, with the broom handle, striking him to the head and body.

The arson caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage. Victim impact statements revealed the "terrible, long-lasting impact" of Chehade's behavior. He received a five-year sentence with a non-parole period of two years and nine months, backdated to his arrest on July 27, 2024, making him eligible for parole in April next year.

“

The victim's terrified wife called the police, as did his traumatised children. It is apparent his children thought you were going to kill their father.