The prosecution has concluded its presentation in the trial of a former bouncer from Halifax accused of causing the death of a bar patron by restraining him in a chokehold on Christmas Eve nearly three years ago.
Alexander Pishori Levy, aged 40, faces charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence resulting in the death of Ryan Sawyer, aged 31, following an incident outside the Halifax Alehouse on December 24, 2022.
The final witness for the prosecution in the trial at Nova Scotia Supreme Court was Dr. Christopher Milroy, a forensic pathologist who examined the autopsy report and surveillance footage from the scene.
During his testimony via video link from Ottawa, Milroy explained that a properly executed neck restraint can render an individual unconscious in 10 to 15 seconds. The video evidence presented during the trial depicted Levy maintaining a grip around Sawyer’s neck for over two minutes.
The footage, captured by a security camera outside the bar, was repeatedly shown in court. Additionally, brief cellphone videos from the scene were also displayed.
According to Milroy, the bruises on Sawyer’s neck seen in the autopsy images were consistent with the application of a chokehold. He emphasized that prolonged use of a chokehold could result in brain damage and ultimately lead to death.
However, under questioning from Levy’s lawyer, James Giacomantonio, Milroy acknowledged observing movements from Sawyer in the videos, indicating he was likely conscious during the altercation and not experiencing a seizure.
In response to inquiries from the defense, Milroy mentioned that he could not rule out the possibility that Sawyer suffered a sudden heart attack or was harmed during an earlier scuffle with another bouncer before the encounter with Levy.
Before Milroy’s testimony, the court heard from two other bouncers who were on duty the night of Sawyer’s death. Greg White, a member of the Alehouse security team, revealed that he, Levy, and other staff had undergone training in security and self-defense, with Levy being responsible for security that evening.
White noted the need for additional bouncers outside the bar when Sawyer and his brother were asked to leave. He explained that there were only three bouncers present when the altercation began, prompting him to go inside to call for backup.
Osman Barrie, the head of security at a nearby bar, Buck Ugly’s, testified that he intervened during the disturbance to try to calm Sawyer and ensure others kept their distance. Barrie stated that Sawyer was still breathing when police arrived following a 911 call.
Giacomantonio requested time from Justice James Chipman for the defense to strategize further. The trial is set to resume on Wednesday morning.
