The domestic violence trial of prominent concert promoter Alex Gray is slated to begin Tuesday morning in Cumberland County Superior Court.
The misdemeanor domestic assault charge against Gray, owner of the Waterfront Concerts series in Portland and Bangor, dates back to March, when Gray was arrested after police were called to his Portland condominium where he had allegedly beaten his girlfriend of five years.
Gray, after a night of drinking, allegedly attacked his girlfriend when she tried to leave his condo, grabbing her purse and kicking her legs out from underneath her before grabbing her by the throat and slamming her head onto the hardwood floor five to 10 times, according to police.
It is unclear whether Gray will take the stand during his jury trial. His Portland-based attorney, Gerard P. Conley Jr., could not be reached for comment on Monday.
The girlfriend, whose identity has been withheld by the BDN because she allegedly is the victim of domestic assault, told police that her vision turned white each time her head hit the ground.
“Why are you doing this?” she shouted at Gray, police said. Two friends standing outside told police they heard yelling but did not witness whatever was going on inside.
Photos in the police report showed red marks on the woman’s back, leg and chest.
Rather than going to trial, misdemeanors normally are settled by plea agreements, University of Maine School of Law Professor Deirdre Smith said Monday.
The Waterfront Concerts series contracts with Bangor, Portland and Lewiston to host outdoor shows at various venues, including Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion and the Maine State Pier.
In late September, Bangor renewed a 10-year contract with the outdoor concert series, of which Gray is the owner, that gives the city a larger cut of ticket sales.
Gray also recently purchased a building in Old Town for $25,000 that he said he intends to renovate and turn into a music venue that will host about 50 shows a year.
If convicted, Gray could face up to a year in jail.
If someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and you would like to talk with a counselor, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 from anywhere in Maine.