More bar video evidence expected at ex-world junior hockey players’ sex assault trial in London, Ont.
Technical issues disrupted the sexual assault trial of five former world junior hockey players in a London, Ont., courtroom on Tuesday. Justice Maria Carroccia was forced to adjourn early after encountering problems with video evidence presentation.
The trial, which began on Monday in Superior Court, involves Michael McLeod, Dillon Dubé, Cal Foote, Carter Hart, and Alex Formenton, all of whom have denied the charges. McLeod faces an additional charge of being party to the offence, as the Crown alleges he encouraged and assisted his teammates in engaging in sexual activity with the complainant without her consent.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, jurors viewed surveillance videos from Jack’s Bar and Grill, where some players visited after a gala in June 2018. The complainant, known as E.M. in court due to a publication ban, was also present at the bar.
Video evidence from Drake Batherson’s phone, a former junior team member now playing for the Ottawa Senators, was also presented. The videos captured a lively atmosphere with young men, including Batherson, Foote, Brett Howden, and Cale Makar, enjoying themselves at the bar. Notably, Howden and Makar currently play in the NHL for the Vegas Golden Knights and Colorado Avalanche, respectively.
Apart from the accused players, other NHL players featured in the videos include Maxime Comtois and Jake Bean. Some footage showed McLeod and E.M. conversing, taking shots, and dancing at the bar.
London police Detective Tiffany Waque, a witness at the trial, will continue her testimony regarding the videos from Jack’s and the Delta hotel lobby where the night concluded when court resumes on Wednesday. The trial is scheduled for eight weeks, with CBC providing live coverage starting before 10 a.m. ET.
In cases of immediate danger or safety concerns related to sexual assault, individuals are urged to call 911. Support services can be found through crisis lines and local resources listed on the Ending Violence Association of Canada database.
This rewritten article addresses the ongoing sexual assault trial involving former world junior hockey players, highlighting key points from the original content while providing a fresh perspective for readers.
