Agree it definitely a Keelback - loreal scale present, keeled dorsal scales, labial scales with dark edges, colour and irregular dark banding.
No doubt you were bitterly dissappointed to see your mate do that. I doubt it will make any difference but you might also like to mention that the most common cause of snake bite is from people attempting to kill snakes.
The reality is: Leave them alone, and they will leave you alone!
Blue