Former coach of Canadian women’s gymnastic team found not guilty of sexual assault

The verdict is in and Dave Brubaker has been found not guilty of sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

The former high-ranking gymnastics coach, who coached the Canadian women’s national team, was accused of sexually assault a young gymnast years ago.

Now in her 30s, the woman testified in October that Brubaker would kiss her on the lips to say hello and goodbye, something that started when she was just 12-years-old.

She also said he inappropriately touched her during massages and spooned her in bed while taking naps before practice.

Brubaker admitted to kissing the woman on the lips, saying it was meant as a fatherly gesture, but strongly denied the other two allegations.

The former coach’s lawyer, Patrick Ducharme, argued that the complainant was bitter because she didn’t make the Olympic team.

During the trial, the investigation was then called into question after it was revealed that the sole police officer investigating was related to the complainant.

The complainant was even made the godmother of the officer’s newborn child while the investigation was taking place.

Judge Deborah Austin said those actions did damage the Crown’s case.

"I don’t criticize him for being a good friend ... I do criticize the decision to also at the same time take on the role of sole investigating officer in the case resulting in some questions about the handling of the case," she said.

"These things do affect the reliability of the Crown’s case. These issues cannot be ignored."

Brubaker’s supporters applauded after Austin delivered her final decision.

With files from the Canadian Press.