Hockey players’ sexual assault trial grapples with tech issues
The sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team grappled with technological issues Tuesday as prosecutors sought to show security footage from a bar where the complainant and some of the players were the night of the alleged incident.
The sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team grappled with technological issues Tuesday as prosecutors sought to show security footage from a bar where the complainant and some of the players were the night of the alleged incident.
Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote have all pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in connection with an encounter at a hotel room in London, Ont., in 2018.
McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.
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On Monday, court saw some security video from a bar in downtown London where some of the players went after attending a gala.
In various clips, the complainant — who cannot be identified under a standard publication ban — is shown inside the bar with a friend.
In other videos, a group of men is seen lining up outside then walking into the venue. On the stand, a police officer involved in the investigation identified the men as members of the 2018 world junior hockey team.
Court ran into repeated technological problems Tuesday while trying to show more security footage.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia told jurors there had been an issue affecting the provincial government’s internet service earlier in the day, and that problems with the courtroom’s heating system later caused equipment to overheat and malfunction.
She dismissed the jury early so that the heat issue could be resolved.
The trial is expected to continue Wednesday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2025.
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