LONDON, Ont. – On Thursday, five members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team were acquitted of sexual assault charges, bringing a months-long trial to an end that has received significant media attention since it began in April.
Michael Mc Leod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote were found not guilty by Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia.
All five players faced sexual assault charges related to an alleged incident in June 2018 where a woman known publicly as E. M. – her identity is protected by a publication ban – claimed she was assaulted for several hours in a hotel room in London, Ont. The players were there for a Hockey Canada event celebrating their win at the World Junior championships earlier that year. Mc Leod was also charged with being part of the offense.
In her ruling, Justice Maria Carroccia stated that the Crown had failed to prove their case and described the evidence from the complainant as “not credible or reliable.”
“Having found that I cannot rely upon the evidence of E. M. and then considering the evidence in this trial as a whole, I conclude that the Crown cannot meet its onus on any of the counts before me,” Carroccia said.
Crown attorney Meghan Cunningham mentioned on Thursday afternoon that they will “carefully review Justice Carroccia’s decision, and as the case is still within the appeal period, we have no further comments to make about the decision at this time.”
The Crown has 30 days to decide whether to appeal this ruling.
As Judge Carroccia spoke early in the afternoon-before delivering her official verdict but after indicating that the Crown had not proven its case-family members of the players became emotional inside the courtroom.
During a brief recess in the court’s hallway, their relief was evident. Dubé exited with a smile before moving toward another exit. Mc Leod, who faced two sexual assault charges, tearfully hugged his family near security checkpoints.
After hearing the verdicts, Mc Leod was first among defendants to leave court. “Last time, Mikey,” someone close to him said while they waited for an elevator.
“Woo! Let’s get out of here,” another person added.
Carroccia’s ruling came nearly six weeks after this widely publicized trial concluded and seven years after London police first received reports about the alleged assault. The verdict ends what Carroccia termed a “long and trying case” marred by complications including a mistrial just three days into proceedings and two jury dismissals leading up to a judge-only trial.
The men-four of whom had been active NHL players prior to their arrest-pleaded not guilty to all charges. A conviction could have resulted in up to 10 years behind bars.
Outside court following the verdict announcement, David Humphrey, Mc Leod’s attorney remarked that public perception regarding this case was largely influenced by one-sided narratives from civil lawsuits which went largely unchallenged because Hockey Canada settled without consulting or informing these players beforehand.
“The decision was made unilaterally; they learned about both lawsuit and settlement only afterwards,” he stated. “Had they been consulted first on settling matters involving E. M.’s claims they would have opposed it vigorously.”
Megan Savard represented Carter Hart and characterized this outcome as “unsurprising” while asserting it vindicated her client. She also criticized how unnecessary pursuing this trial turned out to be-for Hart-the only player who testified-as well as for other defendants and even for E. M.
“Almost every single feature of evidence identified today by Justice Carroccia as critical flaws for prosecution were known back since 2018,” she emphasized adding “Today’s result wasn’t just foreseeable-it actually was foreseen.”
“The Crown attorney didn’t need take this matter through trial.”
This situation revolved around details surrounding events occurring during early morning hours on June 19th , 2018 , at Delta Armories Hotel.
E. M. encountered Mc Leod at Jack ’ s bar , famous local spot , leaving together afterward enjoying drinks dancing until heading back hotel room early hours June. After initial consensual encounter , she asserted subsequent invites extended teammates enter join activities unbeknownst consented agreement between herself him. She reported incident police immediately following however investigation ceased without filing charges February following year.
The allegations surfaced publicly late May 2022 when TSN revealed Hockey Canada had reached settlement over civil lawsuit with E. M.
Latter part same year Globe And Mail disclosed Hockey Canada historically used funds drawn partially registration fees settle claims sexual abuse; CEO board directors resigned thereafter resulting loss major sponsorships continuing latest World Junior Championships Edmonton held sponsorless season due fallout controversies arising incidents like these.Criminal probe resumed yielding resultant sexual assault accusations laid against five individuals January 2024. During testimony spanning nine days – including seven under cross examination -E. M recounted pressures experienced throughout night relating multitude acts implied engagement performed amid group consisting multiple players including oral sex involving names listed plus physical interactions described such slapping buttocks & foot performing splits relatively close proximity her face. Crown contended no voluntary consent existed any specific actions initiated males arriving creating stressful unpredictable circumstances prompting feelings fear response from victim standpoint. In final remarks made , Judge Carraccia observed finding legitimate actual consent remained intact absent influence fear present situation. Throughout entire duration attorneys representing accused maintained stance highlighting instigation originated within party led by female urging male invite teammates back hotel suite ensuing wild night ahead participants involved Additionally multiple witnesses corroborated elements suggesting female aggressor encouraged conditions established within setting prompting derogatory remarks targeting male counterparts challenged compliance pursuits requested during evening hence. Contrarily during cross examination conducted revealed discrepancies relating mannerisms exhibited & dialogue choices utilized recalling events presented statements differing expectations expressed naturally implying potential fabrications occurred instead straightforward accounts presented.Judge stressed concerns arose surrounding account provided thus indicating gaps filled assumptions rather than recollections showcasing uncertainty memory portrayed overall narrative constructed either side involved thereafter concluding rulings accordingly Karen Bellehumeur represented individual asserting grievances expressed disappointment verdict rendered particularly regarding evaluation penned forth “She never encountered disbelief previously concerning allegations put forth & understood process lacked guarantees conviction,” Bellehumeur affirmed noting participation essential despite exposing potential scrutiny criticism emanating based historical societal norms prevalent today continuing overshadow issues pertaining justice system handling sensitive topics affecting victims facing adversities alike those noted previously experienced amidst recent turbulence ongoing legislative challenges aligning respective responsibilities alongside improvements necessary progressing forward. Additionally remarked finalized decisions merely highlighted absence proof beyond reasonable doubt establishing culpability maintaining clarity throughout matters despite interpretations drawn variably depending perspectives analyzed closely evaluating systemic structures warranting transformation ultimately needed addressing these topics critically impacting overall functionality procedural effectiveness seeking resolutions attainable areas so far unmet objectives realized initiative introduced broadening awareness collectively recognized societal responsibilities pressing concerns raised underscoring significance change extending outside realm legal systems encouraging discussions driving forward progress combating associated violence whilst safeguarding interests communities jointly united promoting safety advocating equality right persons regardless background beliefs focusing inclusivity improving standards existing frameworks providing support nurturance healing through collective action reformative policies embraced culturally fostering environments wherein respect dignity afforded everyone respected equally acknowledged value contributions made collectively enhancing outcomes envisioned shared experiences endure adversity overcome learning thriving environment nurturing hope enlightening future generations cultivating dialogue revolving respect understanding empathy growth forefront eliminating stereotypes prevailing society challenging perceptions hindering advancement necessary progressive changes witnessed advancing towards objectives sought across social spectrum deriving benefits benefiting society sustainably long-term vision executed collaboratively endeavors inspire transformations positively resonating affectively across boundaries transcending limits imposed inhibiting progress. At various instances during proceedings representatives drew attention supporters rallying outside courthouse holding signs offering encouragement expressing solidarity disapproval current status quo prevailing difficulties dealing with stigma associated certain situations many survivors experiencing hardship navigate disclosures publicly ensuring voices amplified seek justice resolutions attained affirmatively validated existence inherent struggles garnered attention towards ensuring reforms enacted address aforementioned areas inadequacies evident seen longitudinal basis illustrating realities faced ongoing efforts strive improve conditions believed rooted deeply entrenched systemic inequalities observable response addressing them comprehensively regarded pivotal instilling confidence trust built between authorities entities impacted working tirelessly achieving common goals witnessed equitable treatment felt duly necessitated remaining vigilant pursue transformative aspirations steering towards brighter horizons ahead forging paths full promise opportunities await eager explorers embarking journeys enriching lives ultimately benefitting communal development forming bridges connections nurturing compassion core essence humanity unveiled witnessing evolution driven collective resolve thrive entirely fulfilling potentials inherent possibilities arise harmoniously coexisting respecting diversities cultivated gradually paving way navigating challenges successfully confronting adversities united spirit maintaining integrity strength fortitude helping forge enduring legacies shapes unfolding chapters history yet untold.
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