In a momentous ruling on Thursday, an Ontario judge acquitted five former players from Canada's illustrious world junior ice hockey team, who faced accusations of sexually assaulting a woman identified as EM in a 2018 incident. The presiding Justice Maria Carroccia, after meticulously reviewing hours of testimony and evidence over an eight-week highly publicized trial, declared all defendants—Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote—not guilty.
The alleged incident occurred during a Hockey Canada gala at a London, Ontario hotel, where the men were accused of assaulting EM. Judge Carroccia specified that she found the evidence provided by EM to be neither "credible nor reliable," stating that the prosecution failed to fulfill its burden of proof for any of the allegations. Central to the trial was the question of consent, with defense lawyers asserting that EM had expressed a desire to engage in sexual activity, believing she granted consent.
Crowds were drawn to the courtroom for the verdict, prompting the opening of additional overflow rooms. Justice Carroccia pointed out significant inconsistencies in EM's statements, including discrepancies regarding who had purchased drinks that night. Furthermore, the judge noted contradictions between what EM had reported to police and her statements during the trial.
Two videos obtained during the proceedings depicted EM giving verbal consent during the incident; however, the judge clarified that under Canadian law, these videos did not suffice to establish consent but demonstrated that she appeared "normal and smiling" without signs of distress.
It remains uncertain whether the Crown will pursue an appeal against the acquittals. Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham remarked that the decision would be thoroughly examined and expressed gratitude toward the supports received for EM. Throughout the trial, the Crown maintained that EM's testimony was substantiated, arguing that minor inconsistencies did not undermine her credibility. They highlighted the absence of motive for EM to fabricate the allegations, stating she had reported the incident to authorities back in 2018.
Defense attorneys countered that witness accounts, including those from other players in the hotel room, suggested EM had clearly articulated her desires and later expressed regret about the encounter, establishing that she had willingly participated in the activities.
The alleged incident occurred during a Hockey Canada gala at a London, Ontario hotel, where the men were accused of assaulting EM. Judge Carroccia specified that she found the evidence provided by EM to be neither "credible nor reliable," stating that the prosecution failed to fulfill its burden of proof for any of the allegations. Central to the trial was the question of consent, with defense lawyers asserting that EM had expressed a desire to engage in sexual activity, believing she granted consent.
Crowds were drawn to the courtroom for the verdict, prompting the opening of additional overflow rooms. Justice Carroccia pointed out significant inconsistencies in EM's statements, including discrepancies regarding who had purchased drinks that night. Furthermore, the judge noted contradictions between what EM had reported to police and her statements during the trial.
Two videos obtained during the proceedings depicted EM giving verbal consent during the incident; however, the judge clarified that under Canadian law, these videos did not suffice to establish consent but demonstrated that she appeared "normal and smiling" without signs of distress.
It remains uncertain whether the Crown will pursue an appeal against the acquittals. Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham remarked that the decision would be thoroughly examined and expressed gratitude toward the supports received for EM. Throughout the trial, the Crown maintained that EM's testimony was substantiated, arguing that minor inconsistencies did not undermine her credibility. They highlighted the absence of motive for EM to fabricate the allegations, stating she had reported the incident to authorities back in 2018.
Defense attorneys countered that witness accounts, including those from other players in the hotel room, suggested EM had clearly articulated her desires and later expressed regret about the encounter, establishing that she had willingly participated in the activities.
