Hockey: Former Canadian players acquitted in sexual assault case

Ex-hockey players acquitted in sexual assault case

An Ontario judge acquitted five former members of Canada’s junior hockey team in a sexual assault case. The decision was based on a lack of credibility in the plaintiff’s accusations, according to Judge Maria Carroccia. Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote, who pleaded not guilty, were acquitted of the charges. The incident occurred in a hotel room in London, Ontario, on June 19, 2018. Judge Carroccia explained that the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof. She highlighted the plaintiff’s tendency to blame others for inconsistencies and that the woman exaggerated her state of intoxication, which was not corroborated by surveillance videos and testimonies.

Alex Formenton, one of the five former junior hockey players who pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, arrives Thursday at the London Courthouse in London, Ontario. McLeod was also acquitted of a separate charge. The players, now between 25 and 27 years old, were in London for an event celebrating their championship victory. Their lawyers celebrated the acquittal as a “complete vindication”.

She had never experienced not being believed in this way before.

Karen Bellehumeur, plaintiff’s lawyer

The plaintiff’s lawyer, Karen Bellehumeur, expressed her client’s devastation. The NHL indicated that the players, none of whom are currently on a league roster or have an active contract, remain ineligible to play while the judge’s findings are reviewed. The NHL Players’ Association argued that the five should have the opportunity to return to the ice, calling the league’s decision “inconsistent.” Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham thanked the plaintiff for coming forward and announced a review of the court’s decision within the 30-day appeal period. In her May testimony, the plaintiff recounted feeling vulnerable and unsafe in her hotel room. The defense suggested that the plaintiff actively participated in the sexual activity, seeking a “wild night.” Two short videos taken by McLeod were presented, where the plaintiff mentioned that everything was “consensual,” although she later testified that it was not her true perception. Protesters gathered in front of the courthouse in support of the plaintiff, whose identity was kept protected. The accusations were made public years after the police closed the initial investigation without charges in 2019. The plaintiff’s lawsuit against Hockey Canada in 2022 and the NHL investigation preceded the trial.