Matter adjourned for gymnastics coach facing sexual assault allegations

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on September 1, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

A local gymnastics coach accused of sexually assaulting four young girls earlier this year, had his matters adjourned to October in Lethbridge provincial court Wednesday.

Jamie Ellacott was charged in July with sexual assault and sexual interference after police responded to a report that a seven-year-old girl had been sexually assaulted while attending the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy in the 3200 block of 32 Street North. Investigation by members of the violent crimes unit determined the child was alleged to have been sexually assaulted during sessions at the gym between May and June of this year.

Following a judicial interim release hearing July 13, Ellacott was released from custody on that matter with numerous conditions including he not have any contact with the child, and not have any contact or communication directly or indirectly with any person under the age of 16 unless in the presence of a responsible adult. He is also prohibited from attending any public swimming area, school and school yard, daycare, youth shelter and public library, and he cannot work or volunteer in any capacity involving a position of trust or authority over a person under the age of 16.

Last month police reported that three more girls, ages 10, 12 and 14, were alleged to have been sexually assaulted during sessions at the gym in May.

Ellacott was arrested on Aug. 10 and charged with three additional counts of sexual assault and sexual interference. He was released from custody with several conditions, including he not have any contact with the girls or witnesses.

The accused’s matters appeared in Lethbridge provincial court Wednesday on the new charges, the same day his matter was at the Case Management Office at the courthouse on the original charge.

Crown Prosecutor Michael Fox advised the court Wednesday that the Crown will be proceeding by indictment in all charges.

Lethbridge lawyer Cara Lebenzon appeared on behalf of Scott Hadford in Lethbridge provincial court Thursday to ask for the matter to be adjourned to Oct. 7 for election and to review disclosure.

– with files from Delon Shurtz

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