Testimony has ended at the sexual assault trial of a former Regina high school teacher.
36 year-old Corey Matthews spent the entire day on the witness stand.
Prosecutors ended their cross-examination late this afternoon, contending Matthews had taken advantage of his position of trust to engage in sex with a vulnerable male student.
To that assertion, Matthews responded, “Absolutely not”
That was also his response to each of the four allegations leveled against him by the former student.
The student told the trial he engaged in oral and anal sex with Matthews during a period of several weeks while Matthews was his teacher at Scott Collegiate in 2006.
Prosecutor, Connie Hottinger, suggested Matthews gave the alleged victim rides to school in order to develop a personal relationship with him, Matthews responded, “ I gave him a ride to make sure he got to school.”
He also testified he gave the student a ride only about three times and does not recall spending any time alone with him.
Matthews was described as a teacher who went above and beyond the call of duty to help his students, many of whom had troubled pasts.
He re-established a basketball program at Scott Collegiate and took the team to the city championships.
He also established an inner city basketball team called the North Central Lakers.
He says he had a commitment to the kids, but at no time did he ever cross the line and become more than a coach, a mentor or a teacher.
Closing arguments will be heard tomorrow afternoon.
Matthews is facing charges of sexual assault and abusing his position of authority for a sexual purpose.
After Matthews finished testifying this morning, there was a heated argument in the hallway involving members of Matthews family and the family of the alleged victim.
A sheriff had to step in to break it up.
He cautioned both parties, telling them to keep their emotions in check, or they would be barred from the courtroom.
During the afternoon, an extra deputy Sherriff was brought in, but there were no further outbursts.