Lethbridge Gymnastics Coach Acquitted of All Sex Abuse Charges

On April 22, 2026, a Lethbridge provincial court judge acquitted former gymnastics coach Jamie Ellacott of five counts of sexual interference after finding the testimony of the complainants unreliable. The verdict followed a trial where the judge identified credibility issues with all child complainants, including evidence of collusion between two of the girls that tainted their evidence.

Case Background and Charges

Jamie Ellacott, 37, was charged in July 2022 with sexual offences against five girls between the ages of seven and 14 during his tenure at the Lethbridge Gymnastics Academy. The charges stemmed from an investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted a seven-year-old gymnast.

Judicial Findings and Reasoning

Justice Johnna Kubik presided over the trial and concluded that all complainants’ testimony was unreliable. The judge specifically noted credibility problems with two of the child witnesses and found evidence of collusion between them, which amounted to tainting of their evidence. Defence lawyer Kirsten Lancee argued that Ellacott did not engage in any unlawful touching and was acting within his professional context as a coach in a sport requiring physical contact.

Reaction to the Verdict

Following the acquittal, Lancee described the accusations against her client as “devastating,” emphasizing that Ellacott maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The judge also commented on the potential influence of media coverage on the testimony, though specific details of this commentary were not elaborated in the available reports.

The acquittal marks the conclusion of a legal process that began with Ellacott’s arrest in 2022 and brings finality to the criminal charges against the former Lethbridge gymnastics coach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the specific charges against Jamie Ellacott?

Jamie Ellacott was charged with five counts of sexual interference related to incidents involving five girls aged between seven and 14 years old.

Why did the judge acquit the coach?

The judge acquitted Jamie Ellacott because he found the testimony of all complainants to be unreliable, citing credibility issues with two child witnesses and evidence of collusion between them that tainted their evidence.

Who was the presiding judge in the case?

Justice Johnna Kubik presided over the trial and delivered the acquittal verdict.

When was Jamie Ellacott initially charged?

Jamie Ellacott was charged in July 2022 following an investigation into the allegations.

Key Takeaways

• The judge found all complainants’ testimony unreliable due to credibility issues and collusion between two witnesses.

• Jamie Ellacott was acquitted of all five counts of sexual interference.

• The defence maintained that no unlawful touching occurred and that Ellacott acted within his professional coaching role.

• The case highlights challenges in assessing witness credibility, particularly in cases involving child complainants.

The resolution of this case underscores the importance of thorough judicial evaluation of evidence, especially in sensitive matters involving minors, and brings closure to a protracted legal matter for the former coach and the Lethbridge gymnastics community.