Key details were argued during the sentencing hearing Monday for a Stony Plain man accused of sexual exploitation.
Former teacher and hockey coach Robert Paolinelli, 42, had pleaded guilty to the charge.
In exchange, the Crown agreed to drop counts of sexual assault and unlawful confinement.
The victim was a hockey player, who was 16 at the time of the incident.
He told court Monday that he was living with Paolinelli in October 2011.
He alleges Paolinelli tried to kiss him, grope his genitals, and offered to perform sexual acts.
Paolinelli's lawyer, Brian Vale, disputed those claims.
Vale argued that both the teenaged victim and Paolinelli were drunk at the time and that the youth may not be remembering details correctly.
Vale told the victim "I put it to you that all he [Paolinelli] did was put his hand on your leg."
The victim replied "no."
Vale went on to say "I put it to you that Mr. Paolinelli did not kiss you, nor did he try to."
The victim replied "he tried to."
The charge of sexual exploitation refers to sexual acts by an older person in a position of trust or authority, regardless of consent.
After Paolinelli was charged, he was removed from the classroom, but the Evergreen Catholic School Division said he would continue to be employed.
CTV News learned that the accused has since resigned – however the school board would not confirm when he officially left.
Paolinelli had been a hockey coach for about ten years, and had previously worked with teams in Red Deer, Spruce Grove, and St. Albert.
The sentencing hearing will resume Tuesday in Stony Plain.
With files from Bill Fortier
