Windsor cop on trial for sexual assault says he's 'never had any physical contact with her'

"Never happened."

That's a phrase Windsor police Staff. Sgt Ken Price repeated several times when asked by lawyers on both sides if he sexually assaulted a female co-worker.

Price, on trial for four counts of sexual assault, took the stand in his own defence in Ontario Court of Justice on Thursday. He's pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault. The complainant's identity is protected by a publication ban.

One key piece of testimony explored by both sides is whether Price always wore protective gear during mock scenarios for officer training.

The complainant previously testified that prior to a training scenario getting underway, Price pushed her onto a couch, pinned her down and dry humped her. She specifically testified to feeling his erect penis.

"He used his two hands to spread my inner thighs … he was on top of me. He was wiggling his way in between my legs," she testified on Monday.

"Never happened," Price said Thursday.

Complainant clarifies date of an alleged assault

On Wednesday, the complainant testified that she recalls that alleged sexual assault taking place in April 2011. However, she corrected herself during the crown's re-examination Thursday, saying it happened in 2012.

Price said when he played the role of the "bad guy" in training scenarios, he always wore what's called a FIST suit —  gear that would help protect him when officers may punch, kick or shoot him with fake bullets made of detergent.

"It could kill you," testified Price, adding that those simunition rounds travel at up to 500 feet per second when being shot from a gun.

He said he played the role of the "bad guy" during training scenarios in 2012. The FIST suit he wore, he said, included a component that covered the officer's crotch.

Wearing a FIST suit during training sessions

The complainant, meanwhile, said Price wasn't wearing the FIST suit that day.

"He stopped and he got off me, and it was the same smirk he always uses. He was smirking at me," the complainant said, describing the smirk as "creepy."

After the alleged sexual assault, the complainant also said the scenario took place without Price wearing the FIST suit.

Price said if he hadn't been wearing the suit, he would have been in the hospital from the force officers used against him during training scenarios. 

"I wouldn't be able to get through the first day."

Complainant felt 'obligated' to help Price 

In the area where these scenarios take place, Price said he would always wear the suit, even while waiting for scenarios to begin.

On a separate occasion, the complainant said Price asked for her to come in his office and assist him putting on the FIST suit.

She said she eventually agreed because Price specifically asked for her, she felt "obligated" and didn't want to get in trouble.

The complainant described the FIST suit as being tattered, with some parts held together by duct tape.

Price, meanwhile, said the FIST suits were new as of 2010 and were in good working condition.

Can't wear only part of the suit, officer says

The complainant said when she was in his office, she kneeled down at one point to help fasten straps around his legs.

"He took his left hand and put it on my right wrist and took my right hand and put it on his penis," the complainant said on Monday. "I took my hand right away and pulled it toward my chest, and I said 'what the f--k?'"

The complainant testified that the crotch portion of the FIST suit was not on during this alleged sexual assault.

However, defence lawyer Dan Scott asked Price Thursday if the suit can be worn with only certain portions.

"You can't," Price testified.

Suit meant to 'minimize risk'

Price indicated that parts of the FIST suit need to loop through the mid section.

The complainant also previously said in court that sometimes the training scenarios for Windsor officers were "laxed," which she said is why Price didn't always wear the FIST suit.

In court, Price described the live judgment scenarios as being so regulated that officers were searched multiple times to ensure they weren't carrying any live ammunition, knives and even pens on them.

If one of those items were found inside the training facility known as the close quarter battle house, everyone would be forced to exit and the safety protocols would start over, Price said.

"We try to minimize risk at all steps."

Testimony wraps up on Friday

The timing of Price's work at the training branch was also discussed at length during his testimony.

Another allegation made by the complainant is that Price approached her from behind at work. She said Price pressed his nose into the back of her head and his crotch against her backside.

"You smell so f--king good," the complainant indicated Price said in that moment.

Price also denied that. "Not at any time or was I ever be behind her to make those comments and be unprofessional."

The trial is expected to conclude on Friday.