Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones avoids jail after drunken rampage in Indonesia
The HUGE sum the drunken Aussie paid to evade prison for naked rampage that saw the Indonesian man suffer a broken leg and a gaping wound – and he could have seen him DRAG
- Aussie tradie went on a drunken rampage
- Wounded fisherman paid 250 million
- He risked up to five years in prison for assault
- Facing whipping for drinking alcohol
An Australian tradi arrested for alleged drunkenness in Indonesia has evaded jail after reaching a 250 million rupiah settlement with an injured fisherman.
Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, 23, attended a reconciliation meeting on Friday with the fisherman attacked in the April incident and agreed to pay him compensation worth about AU$25,000, the ABC reported on Friday.
The Queensland surfer had been jailed for up to five years after being accused of coming naked from his hotel room at a surf resort on Simeulue Island, off the coast of Sumatra.
He reportedly chased and beat people in the streets of the island, which is located in the strongly Muslim and conservative province of Aceh.
The fisherman required dozens of stitches in his leg, which left locals outraged.
Just after midnight on April 27, police allegedly left Mr Risby-Jones drunk from his hotel, punched a security guard in the neck and knocked Mr Ron off his motorbike
Fisherman Edi Ron (pictured) tends to several injuries including broken bones, 50 stitches and painful nerve damage after the alleged attack
On Friday, Mr Risby-Jones said in an interview broadcast on ABC TV that it had taken a long time to find a peaceful solution but it was good to finally get there.
‘Staying in an Indonesian cell for a month is hard on the body and on the mental (well-being)…
At the meeting, he apologized to the fisherman and his wife and reportedly handed over brown bags full of cash as part of the settlement.
He also apologized to the Indonesians, saying he was “deeply sorry for the grief I have caused.”
Local authorities in Aceh said the agreed amount was 250 million rupiah ($25,000), the ABC reported. The fisherman’s family had originally sought around $60,000.
Fisherman Edi Ron tends to a variety of injuries, including broken bones, 50 stitches and painful nerve damage. His wife Eri Saljuna said his right foot may need to be amputated after it was broken and became infected.
Mr Risby-Jones is expected to remain in custody until authorities sign the deal, allowing him to return to Australia next month.
Risby-Jones was on a three-week surfing holiday off the coast of Sumatra last month when he reportedly drank vodka in Aceh province – which is banned.
Police alleged that just after midnight on April 27, he left his hotel in a drunken state, punched a security guard in the neck, and knocked Mr. Ron off his motorcycle.
Officers arrested him later that day and he has been in custody ever since.
Footage from Mr Risby-Jones’ appearance at a press conference showed him being marched to a stage in handcuffs by police while wearing an orange jumpsuit and black balaclava.
When asked if he knew alcohol was banned in Aceh, the Queensland resident said: ‘I didn’t know, no, I didn’t know. I get it now’
“I am very sorry for my actions and the embarrassment I have caused and the embarrassment I have caused for us Aussies abroad, especially Indonesia,” he told the conference.
“I’m very sorry and yes, I wish what I did never happened. I really want to go home.’
When asked if he knew alcohol was banned in Aceh, the Queensland resident said: ‘I didn’t know, no, I didn’t know. I get it now.
“It was tax-free at the airport. It was cheap and my friends actually bought it.
‘I don’t really drink that much at home. If I do drink, it’s usually beer.’