LONDON, Ontario — A judge has declared a mistrial in a high-profile sexual assault case involving former National Hockey League players, disrupting proceedings that had just begun this week at the Ontario Superior Court. The announcement came just two days after the prosecution opened its case against Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote, who are all accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in 2018.
The decision to halt the trial was made by Justice Maria Carroccia after an unspecified issue arose Wednesday. The jury, comprising 11 women and three men, was dismissed with instructions not to discuss the case, which they had been selected to judge just days earlier. The specifics of the incident leading to the mistrial remain confidential due to a publication ban, safeguarding the details discussed outside the jury’s presence.
The allegations stem from an incident in a London hotel room, where a 20-year-old woman reported she was sexually assaulted over several hours. The accused, all present in London for a Hockey Canada event, have pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were part of a celebration for their victory at the 2018 World Juniors championship.
Crown attorney Heather Donkers had begun laying out the prosecution’s argument, emphasizing the central issue of consent and urging the jury to approach the case without bias. Donkers detailed the charges, alleging that the defendants engaged in sexual acts without the complainant’s voluntary consent.
With the trial initially expected to span eight weeks, the court must now regroup and schedule a new jury selection set to commence imminently. This case has attracted considerable attention, given the profiles of the individuals involved and the serious nature of the accusations.
The broader implications of the trial touch on issues of consent and the responsibilities of athletes who are often in the public eye. This case adds to the ongoing dialogue about sexual assault and misconduct across various sectors, including professional sports.
As the legal process restarts, the community, sports fans, and advocacy groups will be watching closely, awaiting a resolution and the broader conversations it may inspire about accountability and justice in such serious matters.
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