Verdict reached: All 5 found innocent in Canadian hockey trial – Hockey Writer – NHL News
Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia began ruling in a high-profile trial of sexual assault, involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Youth Hockey Team. Defendants Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod and Dillon Dubé are charged with alleged alleged mass assault following the hockey Canadian event in June 2018.
This is an evolving story, with the rest of the verdicts going to be updated. However, it has been found that all five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Youth Hockey Team have been found sexually assaulting a woman in a hotel room in London, Ontario.
Judge Anne London Weinstein Carrosia announced in court: “The defendant is free to set out.”
All five players found innocent
Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia began ruling the defendant on Thursday. A big problem with the complainant EM is that she told the court that she wanted to prove “her truth” rather than “the truth.” The judgment is consistent with her comments, that is, the burden of proof has not been met.
Hart was the first to be acquitted, and Carocasia concluded that she could not find in reasonable doubt that they did not agree. She noted that EM’s behavior, including initiating sexual behavior, has aroused reasonable suspicion.
Foote was also found innocent, and Carroccia said she was not satisfied with the alleged behavior – Foote splitting near Em’s face – constituted a reckless sexual force. Carter Hart testified that Foote was wearing clothes while Em claimed he was naked.
Alex Formenton was the third acquitted and the judge concluded that there was not enough evidence to have sex with him out of fear.
Judge Carroccia said she did not find EM’s testimony “reliable or reliable” on the grounds that there was a contradiction in her account, which contradicted her claim to poisoning and the chance she had to leave.
Dillon Dubé, 27, was found innocent. Carroccia ruled that there was insufficient evidence to prove that these actions were involuntary. The fact that oral sex cannot be proven to be involuntary is why he was acquitted.
Eventually, Michael McLeod, 27, was found guilty of sexual assault and criminal party. He was charged with involuntary sexual acts with EM and encouraged others to have sex, but the judge ruled that there was not enough evidence to convict.
What’s next for these five players?
John Shannon wrote: “The five former world junior players acquitted in London today are not technically suspended by the NHL. But at this point, they are not eligible to participate in the NHL. The commissioner will have a say in their future.” Andy Strickland added: “You have to consider the upcoming resumption of players before the upcoming season. According to league sources, the NHL will review the decision and make its own progress before the five players can be brought back to the league.”
