CANADA
Medicine Hat News
BY THE CANADIAN PRESS ON MARCH 5, 2015.
PEACE RIVER, Alta. – A Catholic priest has vehemently denied sexually touching a minor at a church in northwestern Alberta.
Abraham Azhakathu testified Thursday at his trial on charges of sexual assault and sexual touching.
The 60-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to both charges, stemming from allegations from between May and August in 2013 in Manning, Alta.
There is a publication ban on anything that would identify the complainant.
Azhakathu testified he helped the minor put on church garments once or twice, but strongly denied touching the minor’s private parts.
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