Aussie surfer to walk free after Banda Aceh assault victim settles

A Queensland surfer facing assault charges in Indonesia’s most conservative province will walk free within days after reaching a settlement agreement with his alleged victim.

Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones from Noosa. Picture: ABC News

A Queensland surfer facing assault charges in Indonesia’s most conservative province will walk free within days after reaching a settlement agreement with his alleged victim.

Bodhi Mani Risby-Jones has been held in custody for a month on the island of Simeulue and was facing a five-year jail sentence over an alleged drunken rampage in which he reportedly injured a local man as he rode his motorcycle past the resort where the 23-year-old was staying.

Edi Ron is said to have sustained injuries including a deep wound on his foot that required 50 stitches and broken bones for which he has been receiving treatment in Banda Aceh,

Mr Ron’s family was seeking $61,000 in compensation in accordance with the treatment and possible permanent disability caused by the injury – a figure that was more than the Noosa man could afford.

But Mr Risby-Jones’s lawyer, Idris, said an agreement was finally reached this week with Mr Ron’s family, who would take the restorative justice approach.

“We agreed to fulfil the conditions, but for nominal (of the compensation), I don’t think we need to mention it. What is clear, we have reached an agreement and Bodhi will return soon in the next few days,” Mr Idris said.

He previously stated that his client had shown great remorse over his actions and his family had already contributed $5000 to Mr Ron’s medical bills.