Canadian Judge to Deliver Verdict in Hockey Players' Sexual Assault Trial

Strategic Insights -

A Canadian judge will render a verdict Thursday in the trial of five professional ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room following a celebratory event in June 2018. The players, Michael McLeod, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, and Callan Foote, have denied wrongdoing, claiming the accuser consented to various sex acts. The complainant, then 20, met McLeod at a bar in London, Ontario, before having sex with him; however, the trial focuses on events that occurred after McLeod sent a team-wide group chat message inquiring if anyone was interested in a "three-way." The players have admitted to participating in sex acts with the complainant and an initial police investigation yielded no charges. Media investigations later revealed that Hockey Canada used funds from subscription fees to settle with the woman out-of-court for $3.55 million CAD ($2.6 million USD). Public outcry led to the resignation of Hockey Canada's board, and a re-investigation was launched under a new police chief and led by a female detective with expertise in sexual assault.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial centers on allegations of sexual assault by hockey players after a celebratory event in June 2018, with the complainant claiming she was subject to non-consensual sex acts.
  • Defense lawyers have insisted the accuser consented to sex acts, however, the complainant maintains she did not consent to all activities.
  • The initial police investigation and Hockey Canada's handling of the case have drawn widespread criticism for their handling of the case.
  • The trial has led to discussions about the culture of hockey and consent in Canadian society, with experts arguing that the sport's culture can perpetuate problematic views on masculinity and sexual conquest.
  • Defense lawyers have been accused of "whacking the victim" during cross examination, a tactic prohibited in Canadian law.
  • Many experts and commentators stress that the case highlights the need for a more positive and inclusive sports culture.

Statistics:

  • The complainant was 20 years old at the time of the alleged assault.
  • The settlement reached by Hockey Canada with the complainant was $3.55 million CAD ($2.6 million USD).
  • The trial has lasted several months, with the defense presenting a nine-day cross-examination of the complainant.

Sources:

  • Source: AFP (Agence France-Presse) - no date provided
  • Western University law professor Melanie Randall, AFP (Agence France-Presse) - no date provided
  • Simon Darnell, University of Toronto - no date provided
  • Supreme Court of Canada decision - 1999
  • Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.