Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart, five ex-NHL players charged with sexual assault based on a purported 2018 crime, will be in court Friday as their high-profile trial continues before a jury. The trial, heard by Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia, is estimated to last between five and eight weeks.
Jury trial of Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and others suspended mid-week due to unreported development
The trial was briefly suspended on Wednesday when Justice Maria Carroccia excused the jury for the day, citing a problem that had arisen during lunch and refusing to say what it was. “Something happened over the lunch hour that I need to think about and to discuss with the lawyers,” Justice Carroccia told the court. No further information has been released, nor was it made clear to the jury.
A publication ban was imposed to prevent newspapers and other media outlets from detailing what transpired in court Thursday. It is not certain whether the issue from Wednesday was due to new developments in the case or procedure.
Early in the trial, the Crown presented an opening statement outlining the roadmap of evidence to be presented to the jury over the next few weeks. The prosecution emphasized that the crux of the case will be the issue of consent in the case of an alleged sexual assault that took place in 2018 and involved all five defendants.
Michael McLeod, aged 27, has one charge of sexual assault and one charge of allegedly aiding the offence. Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton, and Carter Hart, all between 25 and 26 years old, all have one charge of one count of sexual assault. All five have pleaded not guilty.
NHL universe waits as trial drags on
The scandal has rocked the hockey world and the wider sporting community, with ex-teammates, league brass and fans hanging on to information. The allegations, alleged conduct, and individuals targeted have reignited arguments over athlete conduct, accountability, and the way major sporting leagues handle off-ice issues.
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“A case about consent and equally about what is not consent': Crown Attorney outlines shocking accusationAs the trial carries on, the world watches in anticipation, every eye glued to the courtroom and what sort of implications it will have—not only for the suspect but the wider world of professional sport
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