Gymnastics Coach Acquitted After Four-Year Battle

0:00A gymnastics coach in Lethbridge, named Jamie Ellicott, has been acquitted on five charges of sexual interference with young female athletes he coached. The case dragged on for four years, starting with his arrest back in July 2022. Two days ruling by Court of Kings Bench Justice, John Acubic, cleared him completely. It all began with allegations from a seven-year-old girl during a session at the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy. Soon after, four more girls came forward with similar claims, but the judge found problems with each of their testimonies, including possible accidental collusion between two of them. Ellicott's lawyer, Kirsten Lansy, says her client has been devastated by the long legal battle, but always maintained his innocence. She noted that spotting gymnasts often requires physical contact in this demanding sport, and any touching was professional, not criminal. The judge ruled Ellicott a credible witness and determined no unlawful touching occurred. Lansy expressed huge relief, saying he's eager to rebuild his life after this nightmare.

1:03Now with the verdict in, Ellicott can move forward, free from these shadows hanging over his coaching career. I'm Corey with The Story, that's your Calgary News Today update, AI-powered and always on.