A pastor who worked at churches in the West Island and TMR on trial for sexually assaulting boys has testified that the alleged crimes "didn't happen."
Brian Boucher is charged with three counts of sexual assault involving one alleged victim who was underaged at the time between 2008-2011.
When questioned about the alleged sexual assaults, Boucher testified that they "didn't happen" or he answered "definitely not."
In the case of the main complainant, Boucher testified that they could not have happened on Tuesday nights or on Sunday's after mass as alleged because there was always someone at the rectory where the crimes allegedly took place. And he testified they could have not have happened during summers because the boy would usually take off after working at the church.
West Island/Montreal pastor Brian Boucher on trial for sexually assaulting altar boys testified the alleged crimes didn't happen, couldn't have happened because there was always someone at rectory, the times didn't fit w/ busy schedules of alleged victims and himself. #CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/YZXgAjW0w2
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) November 22, 2018
Boucher testified the relationship with the main complainant was friendly but that changed two years later.
Boucher testified he felt betrayed because the boy engaged in "immoral acts" at the church with his then-girlfriend when she was invited and supposed to be helping the boy work.
Boucher testified the boy was grounded by his parents for that.
Boucher said their relationship was strained after that and that it lingered until the end.
Boucher testified that when the boy was older and in CEGEP, they went on trips to Mexico and Charlevoix and the alleged victim visited him in Washington where Boucher was pursuing grad studies. Boucher said the trips were meant as healing measures.
Boucher testified that in August 2015, the alleged victim blew up at him for no apparent reason, then yelling at him that Boucher assaulted him.
Boucher testified he thought that may be referring to Boucher putting his hand on the main complainant's shoulder to calm him down.
In the case of a second alleged victim who was brought in to bolster the credit of the main complainant and to show there was a pattern, Boucher also denied any sexual crimes happened.
Boucher testified that given the allegations that they happened so frequently, he would have been out of the parish most of the time. Boucher said that would have been impossible and his superior would have said something.
The second alleged victim testified Boucher sexually assaulted him between 1995 and 1998.
The trial continues Friday.