Former bouncer pleads not guilty in Halifax Alehouse death

Former Halifax Bar Bouncer Pleads Not Guilty to Manslaughter Charges

Alexander Pishori Levy, a former bouncer at a downtown Halifax bar, has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death following an incident on Christmas Eve 2022. The charges stem from the death of Ryan Sawyer, 31, who passed away in hospital after being found unconscious outside the Halifax Alehouse.

Levy, 39, entered his pleas in Nova Scotia Supreme Court, with his trial set to commence on September 29. Initially opting for a judge and jury trial, Levy changed his decision on Monday and will now face trial before a judge alone.

The accusation of criminal negligence against Levy alleges that he used “neck compression” that ultimately led to Sawyer’s death. Reports indicate that Levy was on duty as a security personnel at the Alehouse when the tragic incident occurred.

Following the incident, the Halifax Alehouse has since closed its doors, with the property being sold to a commercial real estate developer in December. In response to the tragedy, Sawyer’s family has filed a lawsuit against both the Halifax Alehouse and Levy, claiming that the Alehouse was negligent in hiring Levy and alleging that Levy choked Sawyer until he lost consciousness.

A statement of defense from the Alehouse refutes these allegations, asserting that Sawyer and his brother had become violent towards security guards when asked to leave the premises.