Hockey Canada Trial: Judge Questions Complainant's Credibility

The Hockey Canada sexual assault trial in London, Ont., concluded today as the judge delivered a ruling. Five players — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, Alex Formenton, and Cal Foote — were charged with sexual assault following an alleged incident in June 2018. A 20-year-old woman claimed she was sexually assaulted by the players in a hotel room over several hours. All five players pleaded not guilty.

Justice Maria Carroccia stated at the start of the proceedings that she could not rely on the evidence of the accuser, E.M., and concluded that the Crown could not meet its burden on any of the counts. Carroccia mentioned finding actual consent not vitiated by fear in the case.

The judge has not yet given an official verdict, and the court is currently in recess. Carroccia is reviewing evidence, including consent videos recorded by Michael McLeod, where E.M. appeared to consent. Carroccia highlighted inconsistencies in E.M.'s statements and discussed the identification of players involved in the incident.

Carroccia expressed that she did not find E.M. credible or reliable and stated that the Crown could not meet its burden on any charges. Defense teams made final submissions, focusing on various aspects of the case, while the Crown argued that the defendants did not take reasonable steps to ascertain consent.

The trial, which lasted eight weeks, centered on the issue of consent. The Crown contended that E.M. did not voluntarily consent to the sexual activity and that the situation caused her fear. Carroccia's decision is awaited, and the case has sparked discussions on sexual assault, consent, and misogyny within the hockey culture.