Former priest accused of sexually abusing boys says he only hugged them

The former Anglican priest accused of sexually abusing four Indigenous boys denied ever engaging in sexual activities with them and that the only physical sign of affection he showed was through a hug.

David Norton denied ever kissing them on the cheeks or lips, let alone attempting to have anal sex with them.

The 72-year-old faces five counts of sexual abuse in the alleged incidents that date back to the 1970s and 1980s involving boys from Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

During his testimony on Thursday, Norton said he hugged the boys and sometimes wrapped his arms around them while they ate breakfast after spending the night at his London apartment.

Several of the now middle-aged witnesses, who can't be identified due to a publication ban, recalled waking up groggy, sometimes with pain in their lower bodies.

They now believe they were drugged, that the former priest would sexually abuse them in the night and that the pains were consistent with anal penetration.

But, contrary to what the judge heard from the witnesses during Norton's trial this week, the accused denied drugging them or giving them supplements that made them unconscious. He said he never noticed their grogginess and that the children's behaviour wasn't unusual for someone shaking off some sleep.

He also denied allegations of rubbing his penis and applying semen on the bodies of the witnesses.  

Sleepovers, a 'treat'

During his cross examination, Norton said he formed relationships with the church children's parents prior to bringing the children home for sleepovers.

He said he enjoyed the company of children because he was the youngest of his siblings and always wished he had younger brothers.

Norton said he would treat the boys who visited him with unique dinners unlike ones they would have at home. He would serve them chocolate milk before bed and let them stay up.

Norton testified that the boys had the option to sleep elsewhere in the apartment but chose a cot in his bedroom — never Norton's bed. Norton said the boys would sleep in their street clothes and never in their under garments or borrowed pajamas.

When the crown asked Norton about allegations that he changed in front of the boys, Norton didn't deny them and said he had "forgotten."

Some of the visits to Norton's included short driving lessons. One of the witnesses said Norton would let him sit on his lap to steer while Norton operated the pedals. The witness said Norton would rub his hand on his penis as a child. But on Thursday, Norton denied that allegation, too.

Past conviction

The former priest has already pleaded guilty to sexual interference for a separate conviction. He's serving four years in jail for that crime.

On Thursday, the crown brought up Norton's prior criminal record during the cross examination. Though an agreed statement of facts had been indicated, Norton still denied some of the convictions.

The court will receive submissions Friday.