Former bouncer pleads not guilty in Halifax Alehouse death

A former bouncer at a downtown Halifax bar accused of manslaughter and criminal negligence causing death following an incident on Christmas Eve 2022 has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Alexander Pishori Levy, 39, made the pleas Monday in Nova Scotia Supreme Court. He is accused of causing the death of Ryan Sawyer, 31, who died in hospital after police found him unconscious outside the Halifax Alehouse.

Levy's trial is scheduled to begin on Sept. 29. He had originally elected to be tried by a judge and jury, but on Monday changed that to judge alone.

The charge of criminal negligence alleges Levy applied "neck compression" that caused Sawyer's death. Police have said Levy was working in security at the Alehouse at the time.

The Halifax Alehouse is now closed and the building was sold in December to a commercial real estate developer. 

Sawyer's family has sued the Halifax Alehouse and Levy, accusing the Alehouse of negligence in employing Levy and alleging Levy choked Sawyer until he lost consciousness.

A statement of defence from the Alehouse denies wrongdoing and alleges Sawyer and his brother struck security guards when asked to leave.