Barrington Man Held in Hotel Assault

A Barrington man charged with smashing another man over the head with champagne bottle at the Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth Hotel during an argument Saturday was ordered held on bail Monday in Portsmouth Circuit Court.

Dalton J. Carkhuff, 21, of Barrington appeared for his video arraignment with his lawyer, Attorney Phil Desfosses of Portsmouth, who asked Judge Sawato Gardner for a lesser bail. Gardner refused and set bail at $5,000 cash and $2,000 personal recognizance.

Carkhuff was arrested by police on Sunday after he was detained by Barrington Police. He was charged with one count of first degree assault and one count of second degree assault for his alleged role in the hotel assault. for simple assault after he turned himself in at the police station Saturday afternoon and police issued an arrest warrant for Carkhuff.

Portsmouth Police Prosecutor David Colby said Monday that Carkhuff smashed a champagne bottle over the head of the male victim twice and caused two deep lacerations that required treatment at Portsmouth Regional Hospital. He argued that Carkhuff should be held on high bail given "the severe nature of both of these offense" and Carkhuff's past alcohol related charges.

Colby said Carkhuff has previously been convicted of shoplifting in 2009, criminal trespassing out of Dover District Court in 2009, operating under the influence in Maine and several other motor vehicle offenses in 2012. "We feel he is a danger to the community," Colby said.

Desfosses argued that just because the charges are severe, his client's past behavior indicate he is not a danger to society and should be given a lower bail. "He has never been violent," Desfosses said. "The nature of the charges is one factor, but it does not constitute a danger to society."

Carkhuff told Gardner that he works as a cook and dishwasher at Brazo in Portsmouth and that he spends his off time at home where he lives with his parents.

Colby added that Carkhuff was convicted for violating conditions of his release in Maine on the OUI charge in 2012. A probable cause hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 30 in Portsmouth Circuit Court.