CANADA
Medicine Hat News

BY THE CANADIAN PRESS ON MARCH 5, 2015.

PEACE RIVER, Alta. – A Catholic priest has vehemently denied sexually touching a minor at a church in northwestern Alberta.

Abraham Azhakathu testified Thursday at his trial on charges of sexual assault and sexual touching.

The 60-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to both charges, stemming from allegations from between May and August in 2013 in Manning, Alta.

There is a publication ban on anything that would identify the complainant.

Azhakathu testified he helped the minor put on church garments once or twice, but strongly denied touching the minor’s private parts.