Bartender relieved suspect in custody

The bartender who was attacked at a Happy Valley-Goose Bay lounge earlier this month says she is less anxious now that a suspect is behind bars.

Andrea Pardy spoke out after she was assaulted by a man at the Sand Bar Lounge as she was closing up for the night.

Earlier this week, Sem Paul Obed was arrested and charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Pardy said she'd never met her assailant, and didn't know the motive for the attack since no cash was taken.

"He basically said he was angry because I wouldn't offer him a beer," she told CBC News.

Surveillance video released by the RCMP shows a man walking calmly toward Pardy in the moments before the attack.

Pardy said she was told Obed admitted to the crime, although police will not confirm that.

Obed is scheduled to appear in provincial court Friday for a bail hearing.

He has a history of violent crime, including convictions for attempted murder and sexual assault.

Pardy said she's grateful she was able to escape from the bar that night.

"I felt really thankful and really lucky that I did what I did, and that I fought this person off," Pardy said.