Breaking: Lawyer for former Canadian world junior hockey team member, Michael McLeod, suggests woman invited his clients to hotel room for ‘fun’ after consensual sex, contradicting her account of alleged non-consensual group sexual assault in London, Ont., in 2018.
Headline:
Hockey’s Dark Night: Cross-Examination Begins in WorldJunior Sex Assault Trial
Subheading:
Lawyers challenge complainant’s account as defence begins in high-profile case
article content:
**Complainant’s Recall Questioned in World Junior Sex Assault Trial**
The world of hockey finds itself under scrutiny once again as the defence in the ongoing World Junior sex assault trial began cross-examining the complainant, testing her account of events that transpired on that fateful night in London, Ontario, in June 2018.
Michael McLeod’s defence lawyer, David Humphrey, suggested during a tense and revelatory cross-examination that the then-20-year-old woman was not merely an unsuspecting victim, but an active participant who wanted to “keep the party going” after consensual sex with McLeod.
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**”You wanted them to join in,” Humphrey insinuated, “didn’t you?”**
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Unflinching, the now-27-year-old woman, known only as E.M., replied, “I don’t recall that conversation. It [the friends coming in] was surprising, and I definitely didn’t make that suggestion.”
**A Night of Consent or Coercion? A Timeline Revisited**
The defence’s line of questioning comes hot on the heels of the complainant’s emotional testimony, which painted a stark picture of a night that began innocently enough at a downtown bar but swiftly descended into chaos. In her testimony, E.M. recounted how she met McLeod and his teammates, how the evening’s interactions became increasingly inappropriate, and eventually culminated in a series of non-consensual sexual acts involving multiple men in McLeod’s hotel room.
Cross-examination is expected to continue, as lawyers for the other defendants – Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Cal Foote – eagerly await their turn to question the complainant. The five hockey players, now considerabaely successful in the NHL, plead not guilty to sexual assault charges stemming from the alleged incident.
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***”Did you say yes to everything that night?” Humphrey pressed. “Is that how it went?”***
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“I was saying yes to certain things, but not to everything,” E.M. responded resolutely.
**A Night Marred by Allegations: Questions Remain**
The trial’s proceedings have sparked a renewed conversation about consent, power dynamics, and the accountability of elite athletes. As the defence continues to challenge the complainant’s account, questions linger: Was this a night of shared consensual adventures, or one marked by coercion and assault? Only the court of law will ultimately decide.
**Did You Know?**
Consent is the key to any sexual activity. It requires a clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement. Silence or passivity is not consent. Learn more about sexual consent.
**Frequently Asked Questions**
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Q: What are the charges against the defendants?
A: Michael McLeod faces one count of sexual assault and one count of being a party to the offence. The other four defendants – Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote – each face one count of sexual assault.
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Q: What is the standard of proof in a criminal trial?
A: The prosecution must prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The defence is not required to prove the accused’s innocence; instead, the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.
**Stay Tuned…**
As the trial unfolds, 247sports.new will continue to track the proceedings, bringing you the latest updates and expert analysis. Join the conversation – follow us on Twitter and share your thoughts.
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