Hockey Players Charged with Sexual Assault: Defense Claims Accuser Initiated "Wild Night"

In a development in a high-profile sexual assault case, an attorney for one of five hockey players charged with the crime suggested that the accuser was the one who initiated a "wild night" in 2018. The alleged incident took place in London, Ontario, where the players were celebrating their championship at the world junior hockey tournament. The woman, now 27, has testified that she felt "numb" and on "autopilot" when men started coming into the room, and described being naked and scared.

Key Takeaways:

• The defense attorney, David Humphrey, suggested that the accuser wanted to have a "wild night" and invited other players into the room.
• Humphrey stated that the accuser said yes when McLeod asked if she was serious about wanting the others to come into the room.
• The accuser denied having the conversation or saying the words that Humphrey attributed to her.
• McLeod, Dube, Hart, Foote, and Formenton are all charged with sexual assault and have pleaded not guilty.
• The woman testified that she was naked and scared when men started coming into the room, and felt "numb" and on "autopilot" during the alleged incident.
• Prosecutors contend that the players did not ensure the accuser's voluntary consent to sexual acts.
• The judge has instructed jurors to consider evidence related to the initial encounter with McLeod when assessing the accuser's credibility.

Statistics:

• Five hockey players (McLeod, Dube, Hart, Foote, and Formenton) are charged with sexual assault.
• The alleged incident took place in 2018 in London, Ontario, during a Hockey Canada gala.
• The accuser is now 27 years old.
• The players have all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Sources:

• AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports/