‘Drunk’ Aussie tradie who went naked in Indonesia is forced to apologize on TV for ‘making a fool of myself’ – as he is released from prison after paying compo to the fisherman he injured
An Australian trader jailed for an alleged drunken and naked rampage in a conservative Indonesian province has been released.
Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, 23, had been held in an Indonesian prison cell since late April after being charged by police with drunken assaults on several people, including a man who suffered serious leg injuries.
His release comes after he reached a compensation deal with the fisherman’s family, reportedly agreeing to pay him AU$25,000 to avoid going to court. court.
The Queensland surfer apologized for the incident in a post-release press conference on Tuesday, acknowledging the stupidity of his actions.
“I am very, very relieved and happy,” he said. “I’ve made a fool of myself and it’s been put on public display worldwide.”
An Australian man jailed for an alleged drunken and naked rampage in a conservative Indonesian province has been released and has been forced to apologize at a press conference for being a ‘fool’.
Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones (pictured) has been behind bars in Indonesia since late April
Mr Risby-Jones then thanked Indonesian prosecutors ‘for their help’, as well as the police ‘and everyone who helped us finalize the deal so I could go home’.
The ABC reported that he will show up at an immigration office on Wednesday morning to sign some paperwork before returning to Australia.
Local authorities previously said the $25,000 compo was handed over in cash last month; however, the local Noosa’s lawyer has not confirmed that amount.
If he had gone to court and been found guilty, Mr Risby-Jones risked five years in a harsh Indonesian prison.
Mr Risby-Jones’ release follows a compensation deal with fisherman Edi Ron (pictured), whom he injured and reportedly agreed to pay him AU$25,000 to avoid going to court
Police alleged that Mr Risby-Jones left his hotel in a drunken state just after midnight on 27 April, punched a security guard in the neck and knocked Mr Ron off his motorcycle
The incident took place in the very conservative province of Aceh on the northwestern tip of the island of Sumatra.
It is the only province in Indonesia that falls under Sharia law and prohibits drinking alcohol.
Fisherman Edi Ron, who was reportedly knocked off his motorbike by Mr Risby-Jones, required at least 50 stitches in his foot, according to Indonesian police chief Jatmiko.
Mr Risby-Jones’ actions reportedly provoked an angry mob threatening to burn down his property.
He reportedly drank vodka before stripping naked in his room at the Moon Beach Resort sometime after midnight.
Local police allege he left his room still naked and attacked a security guard who tried to stop him before proceeding to cause havoc in the streets.
The incident took place in the extremely conservative province of Aceh on the northwestern tip of the island of Sumatra. 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’
