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Legal Proceedings Initiated Following Alleged Sexual Assault Incident Involving Canadian National Junior Hockey Team Players
The legal process following a disturbing incident allegedly involving members of the Canadian national junior hockey team in 2018 has been set in motion. Five players facing charges of sexual assault will have their trial proceedings commence on a specified date, as ordered by Ontario Superior Court Judge Alissa Mitchell.
Trial Schedule and Pre-Trial Motions
A trial start date has been tentatively proposed for the week of April 21, 2025, subject to the availability of the defense attorneys. The trial duration has been earmarked for eight weeks, allowing for a comprehensive examination by the judge and jury. Notably, Judge Mitchell directed that pre-trial motions would be heard on June 11, with the accused to make their court appearance on Sept. 5.
During the recent court session on Tuesday, all accused players were notably absent, with legal representation facilitated through virtual means, specifically Zoom. Legal counsels David Humphrey, Lindsay Board, and Riaz Sayani stood in for their respective clients during the proceedings.
Significant Charges and Apologies
The allegations against Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, and Michael McLeod involve charges of sexual assault. Specifically, Michael McLeod faces two counts of sexual assault, including an accusation related to assisting another individual in the commission of the offense.
Following the incident, London Police Chief Thai Truong issued a public apology to the woman at the core of the investigation into the purported sexual assault. Notably, in May 2022, revelations emerged regarding Hockey Canada’s resolution of a civil lawsuit with a woman in London. The settlement arose subsequent to her claims of being sexually assaulted by numerous individuals, including members of the 2018 men’s world junior team, following an event commemorating the team’s accomplishments in June 2018.
Subsequent to heightened scrutiny of Hockey Canada’s response to the situation, London Police launched a renewed investigation in July 2022. The initial inquiry, conducted in the summer of 2018, had concluded in February 2019 without charges being laid due to purported insufficient evidence.
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