Woman testifies former teacher sexually exploited her through high school
CBC
In the witness box at provincial court Friday, Noel Strapp's former student stood just two metres away, making no bones about how she feels about her former teacher and coach.
"It is fair to say you hate Mr. Strapp?" asked Ian Patey, Strapp's lawyer, during a daylong cross-examination.
"Currently, I hate Mr. Strapp," said the now 22-year-old woman, whose identity is covered by a publication ban.
It wasn't always that way.
She said Strapp was many things to her: a mentor, teacher, coach, friend — and a person who manipulated her for sexual gain.
Strapp began teaching the woman in Grade 7. He wasn't just her favourite teacher, she said, but a favourite among most of her schoolmates.
"I thought that I needed him.… The thought of him not being im my life scared me. And he knew that," she said while testifying the day before.
"It was the most exciting part of my life"
Strapp is accused of sexual assault and sexual exploitation — touching a young person for a sexual purpose. The charges stem from allegations the woman made to the Royal Newfoundand Constabulary in 2019.
Patey said his client denies having any sexual encounters with the woman and plans to take the stand in his defence next week.
Strapp, of Harbour Main, was involved in almost every aspect of the teen's life, the court heard. He was her coach in multiple sports and was her teacher. She was close to his wife and children, participating in household chores and visiting regularly, she said.
Strapp and his student also, she alleges, had sexual interactions about 100 times — 10 to 20 of those times including penetration. It happened in the school, at Strapp's home, in his children's play house and his car, she testified.
"How often were you over at his home?" said Crown prosecutor Jessica Gallant on Thursday.
"Honestly the greater portion of the week," she said. "I didn't hang out with friends, I just hung out with him."
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WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
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