Johnny Meeko's defence lawyer argues witness testimony 'implausible'

Johnny Meeko's lawyer argued Tuesday that testimony from nine witnesses alleging a range of sexual assaults carried out by the former schoolteacher is not reliable and in some cases "highly implausible."

Meeko, 61, has pleaded not guilty to32 sex-related charges including assault, sexual assault and sexual interference alleged to have been committed during his decades-long career at Nuiyak Elementary School in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut. He is being tried by a judge alone.

His defence lawyer James Mortonpresented his closing arguments in the NunavutCourt of Justice Tuesday in Iqaluit.

Morton saidit's too dangerous for Justice Neil Sharkeyto rely on the testimony by the nine witnesses because some of the allegations are from decades ago.

He said it's "highlyimplausible" that a teacher could touch his students sexually daily and in front of other students, such as onewitness's allegationthat Meekolinedgirls up in front of the chalkboard in his classroom and touched their breasts.

He also said some witnesstestimony varied betweenthe preliminary inquiry and the trial.

Morton argued Meeko is a traditional and religious man who was under duress when, after he was arrested, he confessed to police that he had sexually assaulted his students.

Crown lawyersAmy Porteous and Priscilla Ferrazziwill present theirclosing arguments on Wednesday.