Attorneys trade accusations in Wally Backman harassment trial

Backman is accused of harassment and criminal mischief in an alleged dispute last summer with his live-in girlfriend, Amanda Byrnes.

News 12 Staff

Jan 22, 2020, 7:20 PM

Updated 1,554 days ago

Share:

Attorneys trade accusations in Wally Backman harassment trial
Wednesday was the second day in the harassment trial of Wally Backman, the current Long Island Ducks manager and a World Series champion with the 1986 New York Mets.
Backman is accused of harassment and criminal mischief in an alleged dispute last summer with his live-in girlfriend, Amanda Byrnes.
On Tuesday, a Riverhead police officer testified that Byrnes had a cut on her left hand when he responded to a 911 call at Byrnes' house. The officer testified Byrnes said Backman threw her up against a wall, twisted her hand and prevented her from calling police.
Backman's defense attorney says police records show Byrnes calling 911 on several previous boyfriends, making similar allegations of abuse.
"She's like a serial accuser," says Backman's attorney William Keahon. "Every time a boyfriend realizes how crazy she is - he wants to break up and leave, she won't let him leave, she steals the keys, the phone and calls the police."
Byrnes' attorney John Ray says says his client is not on trial.
"Amanda has an imperfect life as we all do. She's not on trial for her imperfect life," says Ray. He added that it does not excuse any abuse of her.
 


More from News 12
2:29
Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

Traffic delays and road closures expected as Irvington set to host President Joe Biden today

1:45
Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

Sunny and pleasant today, freeze warnings overnight

1:07
Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

Schools in Westchester County announce early dismissals ahead of President Biden's visit

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

New York appeals court overturns Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction from landmark #MeToo trial

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:24
Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Breeze Airways expands services from Westchester County Airport

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

2:27
How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

How to protect spring plants from frost and freeze

1:47
Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

Saddle up for a western-style riding adventure at Hollow Brook Riding Academy!

0:27
Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

Oklahoma woman pleads guilty in fatal Newburgh drunk driving crash

0:45
Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

Yonkers officer faces charges in off-duty Bronxville accident

0:21
Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

Dutchess County drivers awarded free cars after completing empowerment program

0:35
20 Hudson Valley public high schools among top 100 in New York state

20 Hudson Valley public high schools among top 100 in New York state

1:09
Headlines: Burglary guilty plea, illegal AR-15 possession, library larceny

Headlines: Burglary guilty plea, illegal AR-15 possession, library larceny

0:17
St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

St. Barnabas High School marks 100 years of education at New Rochelle gala

0:27
Manhattan College and Rockland Community College partnership allows seamless student transfers

Manhattan College and Rockland Community College partnership allows seamless student transfers

0:25
Orangeburg students crowned winners of entrepreneurship competition

Orangeburg students crowned winners of entrepreneurship competition

0:26
Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Luxury VIP experience coming to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

0:26
Westchester County DA candidate William Wagstaff secures spot on Democratic primary ballot

Westchester County DA candidate William Wagstaff secures spot on Democratic primary ballot