A timeline of the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial and key moments
with E.M.\’s previous sexual history, questioning her about past relationships and sexual encounters. Greenspan suggested E.M. was not a reliable witness because of her sexual experiences.
The week took a dramatic turn when Carroccia ruled on May 14 that the trial would switch from a jury trial to a judge-alone trial. The decision came after the defence teams, citing concerns about the health of the trial judge, requested the switch. Carroccia said she could not compel the jury to stay for the length of the trial and that a mistrial could result if jurors started to drop out. The decision was met with mixed reactions from all sides, with E.M.\’s supporters expressing disappointment in the move.
The trial continued with the defence teams presenting their cases. McLeod was the only defendant to take the stand, where he denied any non-consensual sexual activity took place that night. He claimed that E.M. was a willing participant in the sexual encounters and that she never indicated she was uncomfortable or wanted to stop. The other defendants chose not to testify.
Closing arguments were set to begin on June 9, with both the Crown and defence teams presenting their final submissions to Carroccia. The judge will then take some time to deliberate before delivering a verdict in the case.
Throughout the trial, E.M. bravely faced intense cross-examination, with defence lawyers trying to undermine her credibility and paint her as an unreliable witness. Support for E.M. remained strong outside the courthouse, with advocates against gender-based violence rallying to show solidarity with the survivor.
The trial has brought to light the complexities of sexual assault cases and the challenges faced by survivors when seeking justice. The outcome of this trial will have far-reaching implications for how sexual assault cases are handled in the future.
As the trial draws to a close, the world waits with bated breath for the judge\’s decision in this high-profile case that has gripped the nation. The verdict will not only determine the fate of the five former world junior hockey players but also send a powerful message about the importance of believing survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
