Witness Testifies in Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial

Strategic Insights -

A dramatic turn in the sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team has sparked controversy. Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham accused NHL player Brett Howden of intentionally omitting details to protect his friends and teammates. The Crown has identified 18 inconsistencies between Mr. Howden's statements to the court and his previous statements to Hockey Canada investigator Danielle Robitaille. The trial continues Thursday, with further legal arguments expected.

Key Takeaways:

  • 18 inconsistencies have been identified between Brett Howden's statements to the court and his previous statements to Hockey Canada investigator Danielle Robitaille.
  • The Crown has accused Mr. Howden of feigning memory loss to avoid discussing details that would incriminate his teammates.
  • Brett Howden has had access to his previous statements during his testimony, but the statements have not been entered as evidence.
  • A text message exchange between Mr. Howden and his former teammate Taylor Raddysh revealed that Mr. Howden witnessed Mr. Dubé slapping E.M.'s buttocks.
  • The Crown has made an application to have some sections of a 2018 statement that Mr. Howden gave to Hockey Canada entered into evidence.
  • Defence attorney Megan Savard argued that any alleged inconsistencies do not meet the legal test to be included and that there is no evidence that Mr. Howden's apparent lack of memory is anything but genuine.

Statistics:

  • 18 inconsistencies identified between Brett Howden's statements to the court and his previous statements to Hockey Canada investigator Danielle Robitaille.
  • 5 former members of Canada's 2018 world junior hockey team are accused of sexually assaulting a woman known publicly as E.M.
  • 2 charges against Michael McLeod include sexual assault and party to sexual assault.

Sources:

  • [Staff Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham's statement to the court "(no date provided)"]
  • [Justice Maria Carroccia's ruling "(no date provided)"]
  • [Hockey Canada's investigation led by Danielle Robitaille (2018)]
  • [TSN's report on Hockey Canada's settlement with E.M. and the 8 unnamed players (no date provided)]
  • [Pre-trial motion by Justice Bruce Thomas (no date provided)]