Bulldog freed from allegations
By NADIA MOHARIB -- Calgary Sun
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VICTORIOUS ... Andrea Hart and Davey Boy Smith walk into provincial court yesterday. The Crown dropped charges against Smith of making threats to his estranged wife, Diana Hart-Smith, and her sister Elizabeth Niedhart. -- Stuart Dryden, Calgary Sun
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Ten minutes after giving an encouraging wink to his girlfriend, Davey Boy Smith won his courtroom battle and opportunity to return to opponents in the wrestling ring.
The Crown agreed yesterday to drop four criminal charges against the burly 38-year-old wrestler, including an allegation of death threats made to his estranged wife, Diana Hart-Smith of the Calgary wrestling clan.
"I'm really happy, just glad it's all behind me," the man known as the British Bulldog said outside provincial court.
His lawyer Jim Lutz said his client has a one-year peace bond that orders Smith to keep the peace, report to a probation officer, have no illicit drugs and no contact with his ex-wife.
Smith, who has no criminal record, said the bogus threats came in the midst of a bitter ongoing divorce.
"It's a dysfunctional family, to put it mildly," said Crown attorney Edna Konik.
Smith, a father of two, faced four counts of uttering threats, including allegations he threatened to kill both Diana and her sister, Elizabeth Niedhart.
"I was involved with the Harts for 20 years. It was the worst 20 years I've ever had. I have no intention of having anything to do with them," he said, as girlfriend Andrea Hart beamed at his side.
"I've got a new girlfriend and there is a lot of jealousy in the family. I knew this would never see the other side of the courtroom. Someone was going to get caught lying."
His "tough" ordeal included three days spent in police custody, being inundated with autograph requests and a suspension without pay from work.
"I want to step into the ring again or open a new wrestling school.
"I'm disappointed I was incarcerated for something I didn't do. But I guess that's the justice system," he said.
