Hockey Canada Trial: Defence Challenge to Complainant’s Testimony
Defence Lawyer Spars with Complainant Over Evidence
In a fiery exchange during the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial, defence lawyer Megan Savard pressed the complainant, known publicly as E.M., over inconsistencies in her testimony.
Disagreements on Crying Location and Players’ Actions
- E.M. and Savard clashed over where E.M. was crying during the alleged incident. E.M. insisted she cried in the wider hotel room, while Savard argued she cried in the bathroom.
- Savard challenged E.M.’s claim that the players told her “don’t let her leave,” stating that E.M.’s initial statement to police didn’t connect her crying with the players’ response.
” ‘Don’t let her leave’ — E.M.’s Claim Under Scrutiny “
“The version you told the police in 2018 is a lot less criminal sounding than the version you told the jury today.”
– Megan Savard, defence lawyer for Carter Hart
When questioned about her initial statement, E.M. maintained her recollection has been consistent. She insisted that her feelings about the incident remain unchanged, despite word choice differences.
E.M.’s Emotional Testimony
During cross-examination, E.M. tore up under questioning about her 2022 statement of claim against Hockey Canada and the eight unnamed players. The emotional moment came after a tense day of questioning, asserting that E.M. was acting in a way that would lead players to believe she was a willing participant.
Background: Hockey Canada sexual assault allegation
Five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote — are on trial, accused of sexually assaulting E.M. in a London, Ont., hotel in 2018. Each has pleaded not guilty.
Court has heard that E.M. and McLeod had consensual sex, and McLeod then invited his teammates to the room.
Did you know?
This is the biggest sports-related sexual assault case in Canadian history.
Pro tips for understanding the case:
- Follow the trial’s key players: the complainant (E.M.), the five defendants, and their respective defence lawyers.
- Keep track of the inconsistencies and questions raised about the complainant’s statements and actions.
- Stay informed about the court’s rulings and decisions related to evidence and testimonies.
Join the conversation
What do you think about the defence’s challenges to the complainant’s testimony? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.