The assault trial of a Mokena man accused in the beating of a Tinley Park restaurant manager will begin in January in a Bridgeview courtroom, officials agreed at a hearing Friday, Nov. 2.
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That hearing also delivered a potential boost to the claim that Donovan Campbell, 42, . Judge Colleen Ann Hyland ruled that the defense can call a witness to testify that she has also had a run-in with the manager about her own bill.
Authorities say Campbell's altercation began when he became upset over his bill at Outriggers. Donovan slapped the manager in the face and punched his chest when asked to leave, police said. Witnesses told police that Campbell then put the 55-year-old manager in a choke hold and wrestled him to the ground. The manager suffered eight broken ribs and a collapsed lung, police said.
Campbell's attorney, Dennis F. Dwyer filed a motion in October to allow the woman's testimony claiming the restaurant manager became irate and screamed at the woman, telling her to "get the f--- out" and calling the woman and her companion "white trash." The attorney said at a previous hearing that incident points to the manager's modus operandi.
Prosecutors argued the woman's encounter was not identical because the woman "didn't get violent and injure the victim in this case."
READ: Man Accused of Assaulting Outriggers Manager Claims Self Defense
Hyland apparently agreed with the defense, saying if Dwyer raises the issue of self-defense and who the initial aggressor was, "the information is relevant and admissible."
Campbell's trial is set to begin Jan. 15. Dwyer told Hyland he expects the trial to last two to three days.
Dwyer declined comment after Friday's hearing.
Follow Coverage of the Trial in Patch's Outriggers Assault Section:
- Defense in Outriggers Assault Case Files 'Material' Against Victim
- Steep Bill at Outriggers Spurs Attack That Sends Manager to Hospital
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