AMHERST, N.Y., May 14 (UPI) -- Former Buffalo Sabres hockey player Matthew Barnaby pleaded not guilty Saturday to five counts in an incident with his estranged wife.
Justice Mark Farrell in Amherst, N.Y., Town Court freed Barnaby, 38, on his own recognizance after a 12-minute arraignment, The Buffalo News reported.
Police gave little information about the incident, which allegedly occurred around 6:15 p.m. Friday at Barnaby's former home in Amherst, but they said there were no injuries, and not even physical contact.
Barnaby is accused of felony criminal mischief, criminal contempt, criminal trespass, harassment and aggravated harassment. The felony count carries a possible four-year term.
Farrell ordered Barnaby to have no contact with either his wife or the other party, believed to be a friend of hers.
The Erie County District Attorney's Domestic Violence Bureau, asked $15,000 bail for Barnaby, who was jailed overnight, but the judge released him on his own recognizance after his lawyers invoked his strong ties to the Buffalo community.
