
Crown continues closing submissions in world junior sex assault trial
Prosecutors are expected to continue their closing submissions Thursday at the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team.
Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham argued Wednesday that Michael McLeod invited his teammates into his London, Ont., hotel room for group sexual activity without the complainant's knowledge or consent, which she said paints the evidence of all other witnesses in 'a very different light.'
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Cunningham argued the woman did not voluntarily agree to the sexual acts that took place in the early morning hours of June 19, 2018, nor did the players take reasonable steps to confirm her consent.
Consent is a central issue in the trial, which began in late April.
Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, while McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.
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Defence lawyers made their submissions to the judge earlier this week, taking aim at the complainant's credibility and reliability as a witness and arguing she actively participated in the sexual activity that night.

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National Post
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Hockey Canada trial: Fear, not consent, drove woman's actions, Crown says
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CTV News
2 hours ago
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Prosecutors expected to finish submissions today in hockey players' sex assault trial
A composite image of five photographs show former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team, left to right, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Carter Hart as they individually arrived to court in London, Ont., Wednesday, April 30, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nicole Osborne Warning: This story contains graphic details and allegations of sexual assault Prosecutors are expected to finish their closing submissions today in the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team. Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham argued Thursday that the complainant's actions should not be judged based on what others believe she should have done that night. The Crown has previously argued the woman did not voluntarily consent to the sexual acts that took place in a London, Ont., hotel room in the early hours of June 19, 2018, and that the accused did not take reasonable steps to confirm her consent. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, while McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault. Defence lawyers representing the players made their closing submissions to the judge earlier this week, focusing largely on the complainant's credibility and reliability as a witness. Lawyers for McLeod, Hart, Formenton and Dube argued their clients had consensual sexual contact with the woman, while Foote's lawyer argued he didn't touch her, sexually or otherwise. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia is expected to deliver her ruling in the case on July 24. If you or someone you know is struggling with sexual assault or trauma, the following resources are available to support people in crisis: If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, you should call 911. A full list of sexual assault centres in Canada that offer information, advocacy and counselling can be found on the website for Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada. Helplines, legal services and locations that offer sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia can be found here. National Residential School Crisis Line: +1 866 925 4419 24-hour crisis line: 416 597 8808 Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010 Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366 Sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: +1 844 750 1648 Read about your rights as a victim here.


Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Crown expected to finish submissions in world junior sex assault trial
Prosecutors are expected to finish their closing submissions Friday in the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team. Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham argued Thursday that the complainant's actions should not be judged based on what others believe she should have done that night. The Crown has previously argued the woman did not voluntarily consent to the sexual acts that took place in a London, Ont., hotel room in the early hours of June 19, 2018, and that the accused did not take reasonable steps to confirm her consent. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, while McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault. 2:28 World junior defence wraps closing submissions, Crown begins final pitch Defence lawyers representing the players made their closing submissions to the judge earlier this week, focusing largely on the complainant's credibility and reliability as a witness. Story continues below advertisement Lawyers for McLeod, Hart, Formenton and Dube argued their clients had consensual sexual contact with the woman, while Foote's lawyer argued he didn't touch her, sexually or otherwise. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia is expected to deliver her ruling in the case on July 24.