Former teacher not guilty of assault, forcible confinement

A judge has ruled a former teacher in Inuvik, N.W.T. is not guilty of assault and forcible confinement.

Hugues Latour, 39, was accused of slapping his then 17-year-old girlfriend, and blocking her escape from his apartment during an argument. The verdict was delivered Thursday morning in territorial court in Inuvik.

Judge Christine Gagnon said Latour and his accuser presented completely different stories during the trial. Gagnon said Latour's version of events seemed plausible.

However, she said the accuser told a version of events which had some inconsistencies. The judge also said the testimony was different than her statements to the RCMP.

For instance, the accuser told police she had avoided Latour for three days after the incident. The court also heard she had instead visited his apartment later the same night.

The girl cannot be named by court order.

Last weekLatour was found guilty of an assaultagainst the same girl. In that case, her testimony was supported by a witness.

Latours court appearances continue with a preliminary inquiry Thursdayafternoon. He faces charges of sexual abuse as well as sexual interference with a minor.