Hockey Canada sexual assault trial update: What's happened so far inside the Ontario courtroom
The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, involving five former members of the 2018 World Junior team, nears its conclusion (Image credit: The Canadian Press)
As the high-profile Hockey Canada sexual assault trial approaches its final arguments, the case has gripped public attention with unsettling allegations, conflicting witness testimonies, and unexpected courtroom disruptions.
Five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior hockey team—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote—stand accused, with McLeod facing an additional charge of party to the offense. All five men have pleaded not guilty.
Early mistrials, jury dismissals, and a trial by judge alone
Originally launched in April at Ontario Superior Court in London, the trial has faced multiple setbacks. Within three days of proceedings, Justice Maria Carroccia declared a mistrial.
Later, a new jury was dismissed after a juror accused defense lawyers of inappropriate conduct.
In response, Alex Formenton's lawyers said, 'No defense counsel would risk alienating a juror, and nothing could be further from the truth in this instance.' With both juries disbanded, the trial now proceeds under Carroccia's judgment alone.
Complainant's emotional testimony lays out harrowing allegations
Known only as E.M. due to a publication ban, the complainant delivered deeply emotional and graphic testimony.
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She recalled being highly intoxicated on the night in question, describing a sense of helplessness: 'I shut down and let my body do what it needed to do to be safe,' she told the court. She alleged that after consensual sex with McLeod, other players entered the hotel room and coerced her into sexual acts, including disturbing references to a golf club.
E.M. also testified that Formenton had sex with her without consent in a bathroom and that Foote performed a lewd act over her face.
While defense lawyers questioned the accuracy and consistency of her memory, E.M. insisted: 'It was not my choice to have what happened to me.'
Only Carter Hart testified among the accused, stating, 'She seemed to be enjoying it… she was laughing.' Other former teammates, like Tyler Steenbergen and Brett Howden, echoed claims that E.M. was a willing participant, though Howden's 'gaps in memory' drew scrutiny from the Crown.
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Hockey Canada assault trial nears end amid emotional testimonies and graphic courtroom revelations
The trial resumes Monday, with final submissions set to determine the fate of a case that has rocked Canadian hockey culture to its core.
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