LONDON, Ontario — A closely watched sexual assault trial involving five former members of Canada’s 2018 World Junior hockey team has shifted to a judge-only format following serious allegations against defense attorneys that prompted the dismissal of a jury. The decision, made by Justice Maria Carroccia, follows a turbulent few weeks in a case that has attracted significant public attention and been marred by incidents both inside and outside the courtroom.
The players — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote — are accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman in a London hotel room in June 2018. This incident allegedly occurred during a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their championship season. The trial faced unprecedented disruptions, including concerns about juror safety and fear of prejudicial influences stemming from intense media coverage and public protests.
A new judge-only proceeding was prompted after a juror expressed discomfort regarding behavior from two defense lawyers, accusing them of unprofessional conduct, including whispering and laughing about jury members in a way that felt belittling. One of the defense attorneys, Daniel Brown, refuted these claims, suggesting there had been a misunderstanding that negatively impacted the atmosphere of the trial.
This marks the second time a jury has been discharged in this case, occurring after complaints from jurors had also led to a mistrial earlier. In that instance, a juror reported concerns about unauthorized communication from court personnel outside of proceedings, which defense attorneys believed could taint the jury’s objectivity.
Justice Carroccia addressed the jury’s negative perceptions about the defense counsel, stating that the situation created a potential bias that would hinder a fair trial for the accused. She emphasized the seriousness of the jurors’ concerns about professionalism in the courtroom and the potential impact on their judgment.
The trial has been further complicated by the presence of demonstrators outside the courthouse, whose protests have aimed to support the alleged victim. These activists have often breached the courtroom lobby, leading defense attorneys to argue that the atmosphere may intimidate jurors. The prosecution advocated for safeguards, asserting that public demonstrations outside the courthouse could influence jurors and impede the integrity of the judicial process.
Security around the trial has intensified, with measures implemented to ensure jurors can enter the courthouse safely without encountering protesters. Justice Carroccia threatened arrest for any demonstrators who may obstruct court proceedings or juror transit.
As the trial proceeds with only a judge, Justice Carroccia must now weigh the evidence and testimonies without a jury. The case continues to unfold under intense scrutiny, with the court’s proceedings emphasizing the challenges and complexities around high-profile trials involving allegations of sexual misconduct.
Throughout this tumultuous process, both the accused and their attorneys have faced considerable external pressure, with the ongoing public protests and frequent court disruptions reflecting the case’s significance in broader discussions about accountability and survivors’ rights.
This article was automatically generated by OpenAI, and while efforts have been made to ensure its accuracy, the people, facts, circumstances, and the story may not be entirely precise. Any needed corrections, removals, or retractions can be requested by emailing contact@publiclawlibrary.org.