Former N.W.T teacher and coach made years of 'inappropriate choices,' Crown argues at trial

WARNING: This article contains graphic details that may be disturbing. It also may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it. 

A Crown prosecutor says a former N.W.T. teacher and coach facing sexual assault charges made several "inappropriate choices" over the years involving some of his players.

Neil Barry, who is facing three counts of sexual abuse and three counts of sexual exploitation, was cross-examined by the prosecutor in a Yellowknife courtroom this week.

Barry's jury trial is now in its third week. He has denied having any sexual contact with his complainants and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecutor alleges Barry sexually abused four boys, then aged 16 to 18, between 2007 and 2011.

During his cross-examination, Barry said he remembers sleeping in the same bed as one of the complainants but told the jury he did not sexually assault him.

Barry testified that as coach, he would occasionally share a bed with his players when they were staying in hotels for out-of-town sporting events, but he said it was always in a room with other players sleeping in another bed.

Crown prosecutor Angie Paquin argued that it was inappropriate for Barry, as a guardian, to drink alcohol, play card games with the boys that involved stripping, and make dirty jokes.

"You were in a parental position for them, and decided to play that card game," Paquin said.

Barry said, in hindsight, that his behaviour was immature, but said that the jokes were innocent.

Barry testified earlier that he did play card games at his home with some of the players he coached, but said there was never any drinking during the games, as the players allege. He said one card game they played included dares where "once or twice" players or he would be required to take off clothing down to their underwear.

The Crown said Barry made several other inappropriate choices over the years, including incidents where he kissed one of his students after conversations at his house, without asking permission from the student or his parents.

"It was a mutual peck, not even a kiss," Barry said, adding that it was normal for both of them to do that.

Barry also testified that two of the boys once walked in on him in the bathroom while he was masturbating. He said he was embarrassed and immediately asked them to shut the door.

The Crown suggested that Barry wanted the boys to see him and had deliberately performed the sexual act in front of them.

Toward the end of the cross-examination, the Crown told the court how each of the complainants gave similar testimony of waking up to Barry sexually assaulting them, both at his house and in hotels during sports trips. The Crown said Barry chose to act during a vulnerable state, while they were sleeping.

Barry continued to deny the allegations, saying "nothing ever happened."

Paquin suggested Barry became emotional toward the end of his testimony because he had heard his accusers tell the truth about the incidents.

Barry said it was "because I cared for the boys."

The Crown and defence are expected to deliver closing arguments on Thursday, and the trial is expected to wrap up by the end of the week.

For anyone who has been sexually assaulted, there is support available through crisis lines and local support services via the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. ​​If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.