Based on coverage from CBC and CTV.
Halifax Bouncer Found Guilty in Manslaughter Case
In a case that has captured the attention of many in Halifax, Alexander Levy, a 40-year-old former bouncer, has been found guilty of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death. The verdict was delivered by Justice James Chipman at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, nearly three years after the tragic incident that led to the death of Ryan Sawyer, a 31-year-old patron of the Halifax Alehouse.
The events unfolded on Christmas Eve 2022, when Levy, then head of security at the Alehouse, was involved in an altercation with Sawyer and his twin brother, Kyle. The brothers were escorted out of the bar following an incident inside. Outside, tensions escalated, leading to a scuffle between the brothers and several bouncers, including Levy.
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Courtroom Drama and Conflicting Testimonies
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Levy used excessive force by placing Sawyer in a chokehold, which they described as "throttling" his neck. This action, they claimed, directly led to Sawyer's death. Levy, on the other hand, defended his actions by stating that he had used the chokehold technique numerous times in his career without incident and believed it to be safe. He maintained that he acted in self-defence and that the chokehold lasted only 10 to 15 seconds.
However, Justice Chipman found Levy's testimony unconvincing. Based on witness accounts and video evidence, the judge concluded that the chokehold was applied for much longer—approximately two minutes. This discrepancy played a crucial role in the guilty verdicts for both manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death.
Calls for Change Following the Verdict
The case has not only highlighted the tragic consequences of the incident but also sparked a broader conversation about the training and practices of bar security personnel. Ryan Sawyer's family, visibly emotional outside the courtroom, has called for mandated training for bouncers to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Their call for change underscores the need for better safety protocols in nightlife venues.
Levy is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2026. Meanwhile, the Halifax Alehouse, where the incident occurred, has since closed its doors in 2024. As the community reflects on the events and the verdict, there is hope that lessons learned will lead to improved safety standards in the industry.
