A figure skating coach suspended due to sexual assault allegations should be acquitted due to the “accumulation of inconsistencies” from his two accusers, a Supreme Court trial heard today.

Defence lawyer Rosellen Sullivan was blunt in her assessment of the girls’ testimony, citing differences in what they told police versus what they’ve said at trial.

The girls were between 13 and 16 and being coached by a 20-something Matthew Power in the metro area between 2016 and 2019 when the offences are alleged to have occurred.

But Sullivan poked holes in those allegations, even when they’re said to have occurred, noting at least one incident was impossible because the dates didn’t jibe with the facts.

Social media, specifically Snapchat, is key to the case, with allegations of suggestive photos and comments being shared back and forth, and leading to sexual encounters. But Sullivan focused on the app’s potential for manipulation, and the ease with which content can be edited. She also said a lot of skaters were texting with Power, likening it to a contest, with silly teens just trying to one-up each other.

Power has admitted messaging and being alone with the young skaters, saying in hindsight it was stupid but he wanted to be a cool coach.

He has denied all of the charges, which include sexual assault and interference, child luring and sharing sexually explicit pics and videos.

Power remains suspended by Skate Canada pending the outcome of the trial, which is expected to continue Wednesday with the Crown’s response.