Breaking News: Defense Lawyer in Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial Challenges Complainant’s Account of Drinking, Implies She Consumed Less Than She Claimed; Jury Shown Small Shot Glass Used at Bar
Hockey Canada Scandal Shocks the World: Defense Attacks Victim’s Credibility over Alcohol Consumption
The ongoing sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team has taken a dramatic turn as defense lawyers challenge the complainant’s account of the night in question, focusing on her alcohol consumption. The case has sent shockwaves through the hockey community and raised significant questions about the culture of elite sports teams.
Defense Lawyer Grills Complainant on Drinking
On Friday, defense lawyer Daniel Brown, representing Alex Formenton, challenged the complainant, known publicly as E.M., about the amount of alcohol she consumed on the night of the alleged assault at Jack’s bar in 2018. Court has heard that E.M. had several drinks before and at the bar, totaling about eight. However, Brown claimed that the drinks at Jack’s were small, and she likely consumed less than she testified.
In a intriguing demonstration, Brown presented a small plastic shot glass to the jury, alleging it was the same size cup used at Jack’s. He argued that the cup held only about half an ounce of liquid, far less than the standard drink size used in Canada, which is 1.5 ounces. The cup was roughly the size of a small children’s medicine cup.
"Perhaps you haven’t drunk as much as you thought," Brown suggested to E.M.
Defense Highlights Video Evidence
Brown presented the jury with video footage from the bar that night, focusing on moments when E.M. appeared to be buying and consuming alcohol. At one point, he zeroed in on a moment where she bought two Jagerbombs, suggesting that she knew the drinks were small and bought two at a time to consume more.
E.M. dismissed this, saying, "They go down easy."
The Complainant’s Night Unravels
On the night in question, E.M., who was 22 at the time, had two coolers, multiple shots, and a mixed drink before the alleged assault. She testified that she weighed 120 pounds and was 5’4". E.M. has stated that she felt "numb" and on "autopilot" during the alleged assaults.
Defendants Maintain Innocence
Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to sexual assault.
FAQ
Q: What are the charges against the defendants?
A: Each defendant is accused of sexually assaulting E.M. Michael McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to sexual assault.
Q: How is the trial progressing?
A: The trial is in its early stages, with E.M. currently on her sixth day in the witness box.
Pro Tip
Did you know? Alcohol can affect a person’s ability to remember events, making inconsistencies in E.M.’s testimony potentially explainable rather than evidence of fabrication.
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