REGINA – A judge has ruled that former Regina teacher Corey Matthews, 36, is not guilty on sexual assault and sexual exploitation charges.
A former student, who is now 22, testified that Matthews assaulted him on four different occasions when he was in his mid-teens.
“I didn’t win anything today. I just didn’t lose as much,” said Matthews following the verdict. “There is a presumption of innocence but let’s face it, my name and these charges have been beside them.”
The judge ruled that Matthews’ testimony in his own defense was credible and the judge had reasonable doubt of his guilt.
Defense lawyer Barry Nychuk said he was confident about the outcome.
“In my closing argument you probably heard me say that this case isn’t close and I truly meant it,” said Nychuk.
Matthews was a former school teacher and well-known basketball coach at Scott Collegiate. He pleaded not guilty to the charges which dated back to 2005.
The accuser cannot be identified due to a publication ban but outside court his mom stood up for him: “My son doesn’t lie. He doesn’t lie. He went to jail. He takes responsibility for his actions. He always did.”
Matthews said it is too early to say what he is going to do next but said he has no interest in teaching again.
“Let’s face it. There’s no rebuilding, my career, my previous life. So I need to take some time now and build a new life,” said Matthews.
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