Halifax Alehouse death: Bouncer’s lawyer argues self-defence, Crown says ‘fit of rage’

While the Crown described the deadly events of Dec. 24, 2022, as the result of a 'fit of rage,' the defence told the court the victim's death was 'not a foreseeable outcome.'

Closing arguments were delivered in Nova Scotia Supreme Court on Monday in the manslaughter trial of a former bouncer accused of killing a patron three years ago.

While the Crown painted a picture of the events of Dec. 24, 2022, as the result of a “fit of rage,” the defence argued the bouncer’s actions were in self-defence and that death was “not a foreseeable outcome.”

Alexander Pishori Levy, 40, is charged with criminal negligence causing death and manslaughter in the death of Ryan Sawyer, 31.

At the time, Levy was employed as security staff at the now-closed Halifax Alehouse bar in downtown Halifax.

“Ryan Sawyer did not deserve to die that day,” said Crown prosecutor Robert Kennedy.

The Crown argued that on the night of Sawyer’s death, Levy was not motivated by self-defence but by violence.

Kennedy said Levy’s actions were influenced by a scuffle with Ryan Sawyer’s brother — Kyle Sawyer — outside the Alehouse.

Kyle Sawyer testified during the trial he was asked to leave the bar on the night in question after spilling his drink on a customer. He told the court a verbal altercation took place outside the bar with the bouncers and that he pushed Levy.