Crown wraps up its case 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
Crown lawyer Meaghan Cunningham told the court she would not be calling anymore witnesses and was formally closing the Crown's case in the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team in a London, Ont. courtroom.
On Thursday, David Humphrey, representing Michael McLeod, said he would not be calling evidence, given McLeod's police statement in 2018 was already shown in court via video taken in 2018.
Megan Savard, lawyer for Carter Hart, called on Hart to testify in the trial.
Det. Steve Newton's interviews with Alex Formenton and Dillon Dube were played in court Wednesday, a day after court viewed his interview with McLeod.
The retired detective who led the initial investigation into the allegations also testified Wednesday that he had formed a general assessment of the case before speaking to any of the players and told some of their lawyers he did not believe he had grounds to lay charges.
McLeod, Formenton, Dube, Carter Hart and Callan Foote have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, and McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.
The charges stem from an encounter that took place in a London, Ont., hotel room in the early hours of June 19, 2018.
At the time, many members of the 2018 national world junior team were in town for a series of events celebrating their championship win.
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 the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres.
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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