Crown continues closing submissions 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 continue their closing submissions today 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.'
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.
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.
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.
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