Lethbridge gymnastics coach cleared of all sex abuse charges

A gymnastics coach from Lethbridge who was accused of sexually assaulting underage girls at his gym has been acquitted on all charges after the judge found all of the complainants’ testimony was unreliable.

Jamie Ellacott, 37, was charged in 2022 with sexual offences against five girls between the ages of seven and 14 when he worked at the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy.

Defence lawyer Kirsten Lancee said the accusations against her client have been “devastating."

“He did not engage in any unlawful touching,” said Lancee. 

“He was acting, at all times, in his professional context in a very challenging sport where physical contact is required."

Following a trial in Lethbridge, Justice Johnna Kubik found issues with the testimony of all of the complainants, including the credibility of two of the children.

Lancee explained the judge also found there had been collusion between two of the girls, which amounted to tainting of their evidence.

Ellacott was found to be a credible witness.

The judge commented further on how media coverage played a role in the testimony.

Ellacott was first charged in July 2022 with charges involving one alleged victim. In the months that followed, others came forward to police.

In some cases, the girls' statements to their parents and police changed as they learned of news coverage or when media reports about Ellacott's charges were discussed with them.

Lancee said her client plans to try to “start building his life again.”