Judge sets date to read verdict in hockey sexual assault trial
The decision in the trial of five former NHLers accused of sexual assault will be read out in court on July 24.
admin
Content warning: This story includes allegations of sexual assault.
LONDON, Ont. — The decision in the trial of five former NHLers accused of sexual assault will be read out in court on July 24.
Justice Maria Carroccia, who has overseen the tumultuous trial, made the decision Tuesday after consulting earlier with the Crown and members of the defence team.
Carroccia said her decision will be presented, in person, in the same courtroom where the eight-week trial is currently nearing its conclusion.
Earlier in the proceedings, during his closing submission, Daniel Brown, one of the lawyers representing Alex Formenton, accused the complainant in the trial of lying on the stand.
E.M., as the complainant is known because of a publication ban, spent nine days on the stand, answering questions from the Crown and five defence lawyers.
“She didn’t just get things wrong, she lied under oath,” Brown told Justice Maria Carroccia and the court. “It should give Your Honour concern that she has done this elsewhere. You can’t rely on what she says under oath.”
Brown said E.M. lied about her weight to London police, lied about how often she had been the Jack’s bar for dollar-beer night, lied about her drinking habits and her familiarity with the Delta Armouries hotel.
Closing submissions, also known as closing arguments, are used by the defence and Crown to summarize evidence, reinforce key points and attempt to persuade, in this case the judge, to rule in their favour. Closing submissions are not evidence.
Michael McLeod has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, including one relating to aiding in the offence. Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Formenton and Carter Hart have each been charged with one count of sexual assault. All pleaded not guilty to their charges.
Lawyers for Dillon Dube and Cal Foote are expected to present their closing submissions Tuesday afternoon. Assistant Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham is expected to present the Crown’s closing submissions on Wednesday.
