A Dramatic Night at Jack Astor's Restaurant

A routine evening at the Jack Astor's restaurant in Toronto turned into chaos when a bar fight escalated fatally, leading to a trial for two men charged with manslaughter. The courtroom was abuzz as the manager, Trevor Jaijairam, took the stand to share harrowing details of the event that unfolded on July 11, 2022.

Unprovoked Attack Sparks Panic

Jaijairam described how 32-year-old Frank Harbalis became aggressive after losing his cellphone and confronting him near the restaurant's entrance. In a shocking twist, Jaijairam recalled being unexpectedly punched in the face by Harbalis, who appeared to be intoxicated.

"I remember jumping back in shock. I didn't know how to handle the situation, and my primary concern was not just for myself but for my employees and the customers," he stated, as surveillance footage showed him fleeing inside the restaurant for safety.

Enter the Alleged Heroes

As the situation spiraled, Campbell and Josling intervened and helped Jaijairam subdue Harbalis. Video evidence presented in court showed a grappling match on the floor, with Jaijairam holding Harbalis down.

Jaijairam, visibly relieved, expressed gratitude to the two men during cross-examination. "One-thousand percent I was grateful for their help,” he affirmed, acknowledging the potential for further violence without their intervention.

Witness Accounts Paint a Grim Picture

Testimony from a restaurant customer, Adrian Raghubeer, added another layer of intrigue to the case. He recalled seeing Harbalis wielding a chair in defense before returning to find a silent scene of turmoil.

Raghubeer described watching one of the men seemingly suffocating Harbalis, claiming he heard the chilling command to 'put him to sleep' as Harbalis lay motionless on the ground. With concern for Harbalis's well-being, Raghubeer ultimately called 911, unsure if the man was breathing.

The Legal Battle Continues

As the trial unfolds, tension remains high among those involved. The jury must now determine whether Campbell and Josling’s actions constituted self-defense or led to unintended consequences that ended in tragedy.

This gripping case has drawn considerable attention, highlighting the fine line between heroism and criminality in life-threatening situations. The courtroom drama is set to continue as both sides present their narrative of that fateful night.