In a courtroom brimming with onlookers, Justice Maria Carroccia announced the acquittal of five ice hockey players, accused of sexually assaulting a woman referred to as EM, during an incident in 2018. The alleged assault occurred in a hotel room following a Hockey Canada gala in London, Ontario. After an eight-week trial filled with testimonies and evidence, Justice Carroccia concluded that she did not find EM's testimony credible and that the Crown had failed to prove its case.
The players—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart—were prominent members of Canada’s junior hockey team and were active in the National Hockey League (NHL) when allegations emerged. Justice Carroccia pointed to inconsistencies in EM's account, stating that her "uncertain memory" did not align with the evidence presented, including discrepancies in her statements to police and Hockey Canada.
While the NHL has deemed the players "ineligible" pending a review of the case findings, the defence maintained that EM had consented to the interactions that took place in the hotel room. The courtroom saw emotional reactions from both the accused and their families as the verdict was shared, while EM's lawyer expressed disappointment over the judge's conclusions regarding her client's credibility.
The trial's proceedings revealed that, although EM initially consented to sexual activity with McLeod, she later felt fearful and upset as other players entered the room. Defence lawyers posited that she later regretted the encounter, while the Crown argued that intoxication doesn’t negate reliability of testimony. The trial also addressed video evidence of EM appearing to consent, but Justice Carroccia remarked that this did not prove consent under Canadian law.
Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham stated that the trial's intention was to ensure fairness to both parties involved. Public sentiments surrounding the case have been polarized, with many advocates for EM expressing dismay over the outcome. Outside the courthouse, protesters voiced that they believed the verdict would have lasting implications on the future handling of sexual assault cases in Canada, reinforcing the ongoing discourse around consent and the realities survivors face within the justice system.
The players—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart—were prominent members of Canada’s junior hockey team and were active in the National Hockey League (NHL) when allegations emerged. Justice Carroccia pointed to inconsistencies in EM's account, stating that her "uncertain memory" did not align with the evidence presented, including discrepancies in her statements to police and Hockey Canada.
While the NHL has deemed the players "ineligible" pending a review of the case findings, the defence maintained that EM had consented to the interactions that took place in the hotel room. The courtroom saw emotional reactions from both the accused and their families as the verdict was shared, while EM's lawyer expressed disappointment over the judge's conclusions regarding her client's credibility.
The trial's proceedings revealed that, although EM initially consented to sexual activity with McLeod, she later felt fearful and upset as other players entered the room. Defence lawyers posited that she later regretted the encounter, while the Crown argued that intoxication doesn’t negate reliability of testimony. The trial also addressed video evidence of EM appearing to consent, but Justice Carroccia remarked that this did not prove consent under Canadian law.
Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham stated that the trial's intention was to ensure fairness to both parties involved. Public sentiments surrounding the case have been polarized, with many advocates for EM expressing dismay over the outcome. Outside the courthouse, protesters voiced that they believed the verdict would have lasting implications on the future handling of sexual assault cases in Canada, reinforcing the ongoing discourse around consent and the realities survivors face within the justice system.
