Crown drops charges against ‘Al’ Henly
Mr Henley was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm stemming from an altercation that allegedly occurred at the Big Banana Restaurant and Bar in Cane Garden Bay in May 2012.
It was revealed that the charges were dropped after the Crown had failed in repeated efforts to contact the Virtual Complainant, Maya Riether, for her testimony in the trial. It was further disclosed that the VC was allegedly homeless and family members as well as US authorities were unable to advise about her whereabouts.
Henley was represented by attorney, Richard Rowe.
According to the allegations, Henley, the proprietor of Big Banana Restaurant and Bar, and the Virtual Complainant (Riether) got into an altercation at his place of business which allegedly resulted in the VC sustaining a broken nose.
Court records stated that on Sunday May 20, 2012, Riether left her hotel room and purchased two drinks at Bobby’s Supermarket in Cane Garden Bay little after 11 A.M.
On the walk back, she stopped at the road side bar and asked the female bartender for some ice. The bartender complied and was about to give her some ice, which was in an ice cooler, in a cup. However, Riether allegedly asked if the “ice was clean” after seeing the condition of the cooler’s cover.
Henley, who was sitting nearby, heard the tourist’s question and allegedly instructed the bartender not to give Riether anything. An argument ensued and Henley allegedly asked the woman to leave, but she refused. The court heard other patrons were at the bar.
It was then, the 32 year-old woman allegedly took her drink, which was in a brown paper bag, and threw it at Henley striking him in his chest while he was sitting.
The court heard that the businessman allegedly got up and struck her with one of his fists in her face. The blow allegedly caused Riether to fall to the ground, and when she got to her feet again, it is alleged that he hit her again in her face.
Apart from a broken nose, the VC was also treated at Peebles Hospital for swelling to her forehead, scratches to her left shoulder, neck and left leg.
The same day when officers visited the bar, Henley informed them that he was sitting at his business. “This lady came and assaulted me so I pushed her and she fell,” he allegedly told the officers.
18 Responses to “Crown drops charges against ‘Al’ Henly”
First Pope for the NDP get away scotch free now Al Henley of NDP get away scotch free & both due to weak cases by the prosecution team of government.