DURHAM — A judge continues to hear testimony from children who allege they were subjected to inappropriate touching by a Durham elementary school teacher now facing sexual assault charges.
Young witnesses at the trial of Thomas Grieve have provided accounts of hugs, touching and caresses, and, in one instance, a comment — reported by several witnesses — about a student’s breasts.
Grieve has pleaded not guilty to a 30-count indictment alleging he committed sexual assault and sexual interference against the children, with whom he is alleged to have come into contact through his roles as a teacher and a coach. His trial began May 28.
Grieve, 40, taught Grade 6 through Grade 8, at Whitby’s Robert Munsch Public School from 2011 to 2018, and prior to that taught at E.A. Fairman Public School, also in Whitby. He was arrested in March of 2018.
It’s alleged Grieve’s inappropriate contact with children meets the definition of sexual assault, prosecutor Tammy D’Eri told Judge Marquis Felix as the trial began.
In testimony Wednesday, June 12, a girl told the court that she and her friends were subjected to touching by Grieve “multiple times.”
“Mr. Grieve started being touchy. It escalated,” said the 14-year-old. “He hugged us and as he hugged us, he would also touch our side and our butt area.” (more...)
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