Twist as Aussie arrested in Indonesia one step closer to freedom
An Australian held in a tiny Indonesian prison cell over an alleged drunken rampage has had a major update in his case
A young Australian held in an Indonesian prison cell after his arrest for a “naked, drunk” rampage has reached a settlement deal which could see him come home.
Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones, 23, was detained by police in the Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Simeulue in April.
He has spent the past month in a 3x3m after the drunken incident that saw him allegedly strike a passing motorcyclist which caused the man to fall into a gutter.
Indonesian police chief Jatmiko said the motorcyclist suffered a leg injury that required 50 stitches in hospital.
He is facing a maximum of five years in prison on the charge of maltreatment resulting in serious physical injury, however, it appears he has reached a settlement with his victim.
“The compensation has been mutually agreed, the amount of compensation is $25,000,” the Indonesian man’s brother told 9 News.
Despite the hefty price tag, Mr Risby-Jones was relieved he was one step closer to coming home.
“It‘s taken a long time to find the peace resolution but now that we are there now it’s good,” he said on the program.
However, there is one more hurdle to his freedom, with the Attorney-General in Jakarta having to consider whether the compensation payment is enough or if they will press for jail time.
“Staying in an Indonesian cell for a month is very hard and mental but considering now I think I’m doing good,” he said.
The Noosa local’s actions reportedly caused an angry mob to threaten to burn down his accommodation.
The 23-year-old had reportedly been drinking a vodka bottle before he stripped in his room at the Moon Beach Resort sometime after midnight.
Local police allege Mr Risby-Jones left his room still naked and assaulted a security officer who attempted to stop him.