Ravi Gurney: Former Toronto teacher charged with sexual assault

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Gurney allegedly admitted to sexually abusing two teenage boys and giving them marijuana in the past, while working as a teacher

The hairdresser arrested earlier this month over the sexual abuse of two boys was also suspected of touching five other young boys, according to prosecutors.

Ravi Gurney, a stylist in Toronto, faces three charges – aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and sexual interference – against boys aged 13 to 16 at the time.

He now faces a further charge of sexual assault and making child pornography.

Gurney’s lawyer said the allegations were “absurd”.

“There is no evidence whatsoever,” he told AFP news agency.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Gurney was arrested on 14 July

Gurney is accused of groping one boy in October 2017 and another in May 2018, according to court documents.

The 55-year-old hairdresser had already been charged in June with four counts of sexual assault, sexual interference and invitation to sexual touching against another boy who was then 13.

A judge ordered him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation after doctors said he was capable of understanding the charges against him.

It is alleged Gurney admitted to sexual abuse of the boys while working as a teacher.

A police official told the Toronto Star the alleged abuse took place between October 2017 and August 2018.

One victim told police he recalled Gurney giving him marijuana but did not see any harm in it, the newspaper reported.

The complaint was referred to the sexual assault and child abuse unit in late May.

Authorities launched an investigation after the suspect approached the victim about the sexual abuse allegations earlier this month.

The alleged offences came to light a day after Gurney’s arrest, an official told Reuters news agency.

Gurney is believed to have surrendered to police on 14 July.

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