The prosecution has wrapped up presenting its evidence in the trial of a former bouncer from Halifax who is accused of causing the death of a bar patron by placing him in a chokehold on Christmas Eve nearly three years ago.
Alexander Pishori Levy, aged 40, faces charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death in connection with the demise 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 findings and footage from the scene.
During his testimony via video link from Ottawa, Milroy explained that a neck restraint, if applied correctly, can render a person unconscious within 10 to 15 seconds. The video evidence shown in court depicted Levy apparently maintaining a grip around Sawyer’s neck for over two minutes.
The security camera footage from outside the bar’s main entrance has been repeatedly played during the trial, along with brief cellphone videos from the scene. Milroy noted that bruising on Sawyer’s throat, as seen in the autopsy images, is indicative of a chokehold, which, if prolonged, can result in brain damage and eventual death.
However, under questioning by Levy’s defense attorney, James Giacomantonio, Milroy acknowledged seeing Sawyer moving in the videos, implying he was conscious during the altercation and not experiencing a seizure.
Responding to defense queries, Milroy mentioned that he could not rule out the possibility of Sawyer suffering a sudden heart attack or sustaining injuries in a scuffle with another bouncer before the confrontation with Levy.
Before Milroy’s testimony, the court heard from two other bouncers on duty the night Sawyer died. Greg White, a member of the Alehouse security team, stated that Levy, who was in charge of security that night, had received training in security and self-defense. White also highlighted the need for more bouncers outside the bar during the altercation with Sawyer and his brother.
Osman Barrie, the head of security at a neighboring bar, recounted his attempts to calm Sawyer down and ensure his safety before the police arrived in response to a 911 call.
Giacomantonio informed Justice James Chipman that the defense required time to strategize their next steps. The trial is set to resume the following morning.
