An Australian man accused of wreaking havoc during a drunken assault on an Indonesian surf trip has pleaded for forgiveness and says he is ‘deeply ashamed’.
Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, 23, from Noosa in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, was arrested Thursday at the Lantik Moonbeach Resort on Simeulue Island.
He is accused of running naked and drunk through a village, wreaking havoc in a coffee shop and knocking a man off a motorcycle, leaving him with a broken leg and a gaping wound that required 50 stitches.
Mr Risby-Jones’ father, Ben, said on Saturday that his son was “deeply ashamed of the trauma and continued suffering he has inflicted on his family” and issued an apology.
Ben said his son wanted to “apologise” to all the people he had “disrespected and hurt.”
Australian man Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones (pictured) is accused of wreaking havoc during a drunken assault on an Indonesian surf trip
He told The courier mail his son repents, apologizes and “acknowledges the pain he has caused to Mr. Edi Ron, the man allegedly knocked off the motorcycle.”
“He further acknowledges the waste of resources his actions have caused the Simeulue Police Department,” Ben said.
He said his son is distressed by his actions and takes full responsibility for what happened.
“He also wants to apologize to the Australian people for embarrassing them and is deeply ashamed of the trauma and continued suffering he has inflicted on his family,” Ben said.
Mr Risby-Jones previously broke his silence on the matter by saying he was not feeling himself during the alleged incident.
“Like I was almost possessed, it wasn’t a good feeling,” he said. “I wasn’t myself, normally I’m a really nice guy.”
Police allege Mr Risby-Jones left his hotel room naked and drunk on vodka before attacking a guard and then the motorcyclist.
Mr Risby-Jones disputed that he was drunk, claiming instead that he had only had one shot of vodka aggravated by sunstroke he had suffered while surfing.
“We were at the pool and had a duty-free bottle of vodka. I only had one shot, only one shot,” he told the ABC.
He also claims that he was not naked, but was wearing underwear.
Police claim he fled to the beach when a mob of local residents formed to apprehend him before he was attacked and a civilian arrest was made.
“I’ve been hit on the ground many times, people kicked my head, made me forget,” Mr. Risby-Jones.
According to Simeulue Police Chief Detective Mayyuhdi, Risby-Jones went on a surfing trip because “he was depressed.”
Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones (pictured) of Noosa in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast was arrested Thursday at the Lantik Moonbeach Resort on Simeulue Island
According to Simeulue Police Chief Detective Mayyuhdi, Risby-Jones was on a surfing trip because “he was depressed”
“According to people present at the scene, Bodhi went out of his room completely naked and screaming,” he said.
“The people there tried to stop him, but Bodhi hit one of them instead.”
Simeulue Island is a surfing hotspot in Aceh, the only sharia law province.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was not informed when questioned about the incident on Saturday.
“I don’t comment on things that happened abroad without being informed,” he said.
“But DFAT, when incidents arise, DFAT does a very good job.”
Mr Risby-Jones faces two and a half years in prison if the motorcyclist’s injuries are considered minor, or five years if they are considered serious.
He could also be tried under Sharia law for drinking alcohol, which is illegal for Muslims and non-Muslims in the province, in which case he will receive 40 strokes of the cane.
Police may hold Mr Risby-Jones in custody for 20 days while they investigate.
State Government Minister Leeanne Enoch said the consulate was providing assistance to Mr Risby-Jones and his family.
“There haven’t been many details since then,” she said.
“The point now is for foreign affairs to be able to work closely with that gentleman and his family.”