Canadian Government Will Not Appeal Verdict in Sexual Assault Case
London, Ontario – The Canadian government has decided not to appeal the judge’s ruling that acquitted five former junior hockey players of sexual assault charges. Daniel Brown, lawyer for Alex Formenton, one of the players involved, confirmed the decision via email on Thursday. Formenton, along with Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote, were cleared of sexual assault charges. McLeod was also cleared of a separate charge of being an accessory to the crime of sexual assault.The Ontario Superior Court judge, Maria Carroccia, determined that the plaintiff’s testimony was neither credible nor reliable, and that there were “troubling aspects” in the way she presented some of her evidence about the 2018 encounter. The judge noted that the plaintiff tended to blame others for inconsistencies in her narrative and exaggerated her level of intoxication that night. The NHL stated at the time of the ruling that the players, none of whom are currently on an NHL roster or have an active contract, remained ineligible to play in the league while the judge’s findings were reviewed. The league added in a statement that the allegations in the case were disturbing, even if they were not determined to be criminal. The NHL Players’ Association said the five should have the opportunity to return to the ice, adding that the league’s eligibility decision was “inconsistent” with disciplinary procedures in the collective bargaining agreement.The defense called the ruling a “complete vindication,” while the plaintiff’s lawyer described it as devastating.
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