A former Halifax bouncer on trial for manslaughter has taken the stand in his own defence.
Alexander Pishoriy Levi, 41 years old, is charged with criminal negligence causing the death and manslaughter of 31-year-old Ryan Sawyer.
At the time, Levy was working as a security officer in Halifax beer garden bar in downtown Halifax.
Levy told the judge-only trial Wednesday that his safety training taught him that using a rear-naked choke was a safer way to gain control of an altercation rather than throwing punches.
Levy estimates he's used the chokehold about 100 times during his 18-year security career and never had a problem.
On December 24, 2022, he worked as the head of security at the now-closed Halifax Alehouse restaurant. He told the court he had an “unpleasant” encounter with Ryan's brother, Kyle Sawyer, while the siblings were queuing to get into the bar.
He went on to say that later that night he was alerted to a fight involving Kyle at the bar and both brothers were asked to leave.
Get the latest national news
To stay on top of news affecting Canada and the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
Levi testified that Kyle threatened him on the way out and continued to communicate outside the bar. A fight broke out between the brothers and the bouncers.
Levi recalled how at one point Ryan was on top of him and tried to punch him or grab his face.
He said the chokehold was used to prevent Ryan from overpowering him and lasted between 10 and 15 seconds.
Under cross-examination by police, Levy admitted that he did not remember Ryan saying anything threatening. He also does not remember having any facial injuries after the altercation.
Previously, Kyle Sawyer took the stand and showed how he was asked to leave the bar that night after he spilled a drink on a customer. He told the court there was a verbal altercation with bouncers outside the bar and that he pushed Levy.
He also told the court he ended up on the ground with another bouncer and recalled once shouting: “I can’t breathe.”
The defense concluded its case with Levy's testimony Wednesday. Both sides will provide oral submissions and return to court next Monday.
Ryan Sawyer's death has prompted calls for improved security at the province's bars and greater oversight of security officers.
In May 2023, the province announced that night bar security officers would be required to pass a criminal background check and complete security training. They will also be required to provide a criminal background check “upon request” and complete a responsible beverage service training program.
The Halifax Alehouse building has been sold to a developer.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
