The defence has closed its case in the Clayton Busto sexual abuse trial, with the former teacher denying he was a sexual predator and insisting any sexual contact or messages happened when the complainants were of consenting age.
Mr Busto faces 19 counts of sexual offences against children.
He denies all charges.
Under cross-examination by Christian Rocca, Clayton Busto was asked directly about allegations involving former pupils and scouts.
The Crown put it to him that he had befriended vulnerable boys, presented himself as the “cool teacher”, used banter to normalise sexual conversations, and asked them to delete messages.
Mr Busto denied grooming them. He accepted some sexual conversations and exchanges of images had taken place, but maintained this was reciprocal and happened when they were adults.
Asked about one complainant, Mr Busto admitted performing a sexual act in front of him, but said Mr X was over 18 and no longer at school.
The defendant also denied allegations involving Mr Y, who told the jury he was 15 when sexual touching took place at Mr Busto’s house. Mr Busto said that was not true, although he accepted he later apologised to him.
Mr Rocca put it to Mr Busto that he was “a sexual predator of young boys” who had influence and control over them. Mr Busto denied this.
Defence lawyer Chris Finch asked Mr Busto whether, as a teacher, it was inappropriate to have sexual relationships with a student. He said yes, accepting it was wrong, but continued to deny the criminal offences.
The jury also heard from a defence witness who said he had known Mr Busto for around 20 years and had never seen him behave sexually or inappropriately with Mr A, who was also a friend of his at the time.
The trial will resume next week, with lawyers due back on Tuesday and the jury expected to return on Wednesday for closing speeches and the judge’s summing up.
