|
Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal
Foote and Alex Formenton were charged with sexual assault
earlier this year in an incident that allegedly took place in
London, Ontario, in June 2018.
McLeod is facing an additional charge of being a party to the
offense of sexual assault
Dube, McLeod and Formenton attended court in person for the
first time in London on Monday, all three dressed in dark suits.
Lawyers for the players have said their clients plan to defend
themselves against the allegations, and all five are expected to
plead not guilty.
A jury trial is scheduled to begin on April 22, which will be
heard by Justice Maria Carroccia.
Several weeks have been set aside for legal arguments before
then, but the issues discussed in those hearings cannot be
reported at this time due to a publication ban meant to protect
the right to a fair trial for the accused.
The charges stem for an incident that allegedly took place as
the players and many of their teammates were in London for a
Hockey Canada gala celebrating their gold medal win at that
year’s world junior tournament.
Police launched a criminal investigation that was closed without
charges in 2019 and then reopened in 2022.
Investigators said in February they were able to lay charges
after collecting new evidence but declined to provide additional
details, citing the court case.
The case has fueled greater scrutiny of sports organizations and
how they handle allegations of sexual misconduct.
All contents © copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
