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Sex assault trial continues

An alleged sexual assault victim described Tuesday in a Penticton courtroom that he experienced unexpected things during a relationship with an older man.

The testimony was given on the second day of the trial for TJB*.

TJB, of Oliver, is facing charges including sexual interference of a person under 16, invitation to sexual touching under 16 and sexual assault stemming from incidents that allegedly took place from June of 2011 to August of 2012.

Two other counts were stayed, and TJB has pleaded not guilty to the three he is still facing.

There is a publication ban on anything that would identify the alleged victim.

On Tuesday, the boy said in addition to hanging out at TJB's house they went on outings to H20, a water park in Kelowna, and to movies about three times.

On one occasion, the boy invited someone else to go to the movies with them, because he wanted TJB to stop putting him on his lap.

The witness stated he didn't really like it and it felt weird because he is used to people sitting in seats individually.

The first time he slept at TJB's home, the witness said, he found his hand down his pants.

The boy said he slowly pulled TJB's hand out, but he would wake up and instantly put it back down there.

The accused then started cuddling him, triggering a look of discomfort on his face, the witness went on to say.

The witness said TJB also showered with him and would get him to do something called "the butt thing."

TJB would stand behind him and tell the boy to tell him when it hurt, the witness testified.

The pair also watched porn on TJB's computer, which the boy testified he didn't like and found scary.

Other activites included dry humping and kisses on the chest.

During the relationship, TJB purchased gifts for the child, including an iPod, and paid for all of their outings, including snowboarding, going to the movies and swimming.

He also accompanied TJB on a rescue, because he used to be involved with search and rescue, the witness said.

When asked if TJB suggested any consequences if the boy mentioned what was going on, the witness said TJB told him he would take away the iPod and wouldn't hang out with him anymore.

It was after the relationship ended that he told his father about what went on. The alleged sexual abuse was then reported to the police.

Defence lawyer Michael Welsh asked the witness about how he learned words like sexual assault and dry humping and said it must have made him, (the boy), feel good, when others described him as a hero and brave young man.

The defence questioning continued on Tuesday afternoon.

The boy has been given support during the trial by the Urban Bulldogs Against Kids Abuse. On Tuesday, bikers from the Edmonton Chapter were at the courthouse to show the child he's not alone and to help take the fear away.

"Because it's an abuse case for a child, we are here to show support for that child," said Gordon Lentz, president of the Edmonton chapter. "And that is all we are here for. We are not a vigilante group."

*this story has been modified to comply with a court ordered publication ban



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