A former stripper is lying about an alleged sexual assault involving a Toronto traffic officer because she wanted a large cash settlement, the officer's lawyer charged on Wednesday.
Gary Clewley, who is representing Const. Joseph Green, said the dancer filed a $250,000 lawsuit against the officer and the Toronto Police Service after the incident.
Clewley said his client never groped the dancer's breasts inside the For Your Eyes Only strip club in October 2004, as she has alleged.
During the first day of the sexual assault trial on Tuesday, the complainant, whose identity is protected by a publication ban, testified Green committed the act while in uniform.
The woman said after she objected to the act, the constable pulled out his police-issued handgun and pointed it in her face.
Clewley on Wednesday said Green had pulled out his police radio, which may have looked like a gun inside the dark club.
Later in the day, the woman's friend and colleague testified that Green had pointed a firearm, not a radio.
Court heard the complainant was a heavy drinker, but she said she did not have anything to drink until after the incident.
Green, an eight-year veteran, has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, pointing a firearm and careless use of a firearm.
After being charged, the constable had his firearm taken away and he was reassigned to desk duties.
Clewley said on Tuesday his client was in the strip club for a "legitimate purpose," but said he would let Green explain that in his testimony.
The trial continues.
With a report from CTV's Chris Eby
