Crown concludes sexual assault case against five players from the 2018 Canada World Juniors team
World Juniors sexual assault case (Credit: Getty Image)
The Crown officially concluded its case on Thursday in the sexual assault trial involving five members of the 2018 Canadian World Junior hockey team. Carter Hart, one of the accused, was called to the witness stand in the London, Ontario courtroom.
Alongside Hart, four other former NHL players, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Michael McLeod, face charges related to an alleged group assault. The alleged incident occurred in June 2018, after a Hockey Canada event celebrating the team's gold medal win. The complainant, publicly known only as E.M., alleges that after initially consenting to sex with one player, she was assaulted by others over several hours.
Each of the five players has pleaded not guilty. McLeod faces two counts, while the others face one each. McLeod is the only accused who has chosen not to testify so far.
Carter Hart testifies as trial reaches new phase
Carter Hart called to stand in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial
Hart's appearance in court came as the Crown wrapped its six-week presentation of evidence. His testimony marked a turning point in the high-profile trial. Though previously inactive in the NHL since the charges surfaced, Hart's participation as a witness places further focus on his role in the events being examined.
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Before being called, Hart had remained largely silent publicly. The Crown had also considered calling former teammate Maxime Comtois, who was present during the night in question but has not been accused of any wrongdoing. However, prosecutors ultimately did not bring him forward.
Mistrials and dismissed juries delay proceedings
Carter Hart #79 of the Philadelphia Flyers (Credit: Getty Image)
The trial has faced repeated delays. Two separate juries were discharged before the current proceedings could gain momentum. The first mistrial occurred in April, prompting the dismissal of a 14-person jury.
A second jury was let go earlier this month due to unspecified complications.
Read more:
Roope Hintz's personal life with his wife Kristina Niemi
With high public interest and reputations on the line, the upcoming stages of the trial will determine the legal fates of the accused. The proceedings also continue to raise larger questions about accountability in sports and the culture surrounding elite-level hockey in Canada.
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