MONTREAL — A renowned Canadian pairs figure skating coach has been convicted of sexual assault and gross indecency.

Richard Gauthier faced three charges dating back to the 1980s involving a teenage skater he coached.

Gauthier, 61, was found guilty on two counts in a ruling by Quebec Court Judge Josée Bélanger.

He was acquitted of the third count of indecent assault against the victim, whose identity is protected by a publication ban.

“As the evidence clearly demonstrates, the defendant’s conduct toward the plaintiff has affected the plaintiff in such a manner that it has effectively interfered with his personal autonomy and physical and sexual integrity,” the judge wrote in a 49-page decision.

The victim was 14 at the time of the events while Gauthier was in his 20s. Gauthier was his coach for around six years until the victim was 18.

Gauthier was accused of bathing naked with the victim, showering with him and lying naked with him in a bed in the defendant’s apartment.

“These are sexual acts by the defendant towards the athlete he was training; whom he loved and greatly admired. As can be seen from the plaintiff’s statement, the accused suffered serious psychological damage as a result of the accused’s behavior. This damage is high.”

The judge did not believe Gauthier’s version of events, who was charged in 2020.

“Not only is the defendant not credible, his testimony is also not credible. It contains certain additions, glaring contradictions and evolves over the questions being cross-examined,” she said.

Prosecutor Amélie Rivard told reporters she hopes the verdict will send a message to survivors that time does not erase criminal acts. She wants the decision to encourage victims of sexual assault to come forward.

The case will be brought back to court next month.

In an English-language statement on Wednesday, Skate Canada said Gauthier had been “permanently expelled from the national figure skating federation.”

Gauthier had been suspended from the organization since October 2, 2020 after receiving confirmation of the criminal charges against him.

“A permanently disfellowshipped person’s rights and privileges as a member of Skate Canada have been revoked and a request for reinstatement is not permitted,” the governing body said Wednesday.

Gauthier has a long track record of coaching world-class skaters. In 2015 he was inducted into the Skate Canada Hall of Fame as a coach.

According to a page on Skate Canada’s website, Gauthier is described in pairs as “turning everything he touches to gold” and as “one of the most respected pairs coaches in the world for over three decades.”

The organization said Wednesday that it is committed to “creating an environment where everyone can experience the joy of skating in a safe and healthy way.”