US EditionCrown in Hockey Canada sex assault trial for 5 ex-players won't appeal not guilty rulings
The Crown will not appeal the acquittals after the judge found the complainant's testimony unreliable, leading to reasonable doubt about consent in the 2018 case.
- On Thursday, the Crown elected not to appeal the acquittals of five former world junior players, Daniel Brown said he was notified by an Office of the Attorney General of Ontario official, effectively closing the case.
- Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia found the complainant's testimony unreliable, citing inconsistencies and memory gaps during her nine days of testimony about June 19, 2018, at Room 209 at the Delta Armouries.
- Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote were acquitted of sexual assault last month after a two-month trial marked by delays, mistrial and dismissed juries; allegations emerged after Hockey Canada settled with E.M., who later received $3 million.
- The National Hockey League said the five players remain ineligible while it reviews the judge's findings, the Players' Association argued for their return, and observers warn of potential legal consequences for Hockey Canada.
- Critics and observers noted E.M., the complainant, testified despite personal cost, with Karen Bellehumeur saying her cross-examination was unfair, while Katie Strang of The Athletic highlighted trial turning points earlier this week and potential Hockey Canada fallout.
43 Articles
43 Articles
Crown Won’t Appeal Hockey Canada Players’ Acquittal in Sex Assault Case: Defence Lawyer
The Crown won’t challenge an Ontario Superior Court ruling that acquitted five former world junior hockey players of sexual assault in a high-profile case, according to a defence lawyer involved in the case. Defence lawyer Daniel Brown, who represented one of the accused, Alex Formenton, said Aug. 21 that prosecutors had told him they won’t try to appeal last month’s acquittal of Formenton and four others players who had been accused of sexually…
Winnipeg Sun
Crown won't appeal hockey players' acquittals on sex assault charges: defence lawyer
The Crown will not appeal the acquittals of five former world junior hockey players after their high-profile sexual assault trial, one of the defence lawyers in the case said Thursday.
The five former players were acquitted of charges of sexual assault last month.
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