By PAVEL BAILEY

Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE prosecution closed its case yesterday in the trial of a high school coach accused of sexually assaulting an underaged male student four years ago.

Robert Ayton, 54, appeared before Justice Guillimina Archer-Minns as prosecutors announced they would not proceed with their final two witnesses.

Ayton elected to have his attorney, Mario Gray, deliver an opening statement for the defence. The defendant also confirmed his intention to testify and call two witnesses later this month. Mr Gray is scheduled to begin the defence on September 15.

Prosecutors allege Ayton touched the complainant inappropriately at the Doris Johnson High School gym between October 1 and 31, 2019, and later had sexual relations with him at his home on two separate occasions between June 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. The complainant was between 14 and 15 at the time.

Ayton faces two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault.

Cordell Frazier and Vashti Bridgewater are prosecuting the case.