The trial of five Canadian hockey players accused of sexual assault has taken a dramatic turn as the presiding judge dismissed the jury on Friday. This decision came after a complaint that defense attorneys were allegedly laughing at some of the jurors, raising concerns about the jury's impartiality.

Judge's Decision

Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia will now handle the high-profile case independently. The issue arose after a juror submitted a note indicating that several jury members felt they were being judged and laughed at by lawyers representing one of the accused as they entered the courtroom each day. The defense attorneys, Daniel Brown and Hilary Dudding, have denied these allegations.

Justice Carroccia stated that while she had not observed any behavior that would cause concern, she concluded that the jury's negative impression of the defense could impact their impartiality. This issue was deemed irremediable, leading to the dismissal of the jury.

Background of the Case

The players involved—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—were charged with sexual assault last year. The incident allegedly occurred when they were in London, Ontario, for a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their championship at that year's world junior tournament. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense of sexual assault. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, and none are currently on an NHL roster or have active contracts with any team in the league.

Testimonies and Allegations

The alleged victim, appearing via a video feed from another room in the courthouse, testified that she was drunk, naked, and scared when men started entering a hotel room. She felt compelled to go along with what the men wanted her to do. Prosecutors argue that the players acted without ensuring she was voluntarily consenting to sexual acts.

Defense attorneys have cross-examined her for days, suggesting she actively participated in or initiated sexual activity because she wanted a "wild night." The woman stated she has no memory of saying those things and that the men should have recognized she was not in her right mind.

Legal Proceedings and Investigations

A police investigation into the incident was closed without charges in 2019. Hockey Canada ordered its own investigation but dropped it in 2020 after prolonged efforts to get the woman to participate. These efforts were restarted amid public outcry over a settlement reached by Hockey Canada and others with the woman in 2022. Police announced criminal charges in early 2024, citing new evidence they did not detail as the basis for proceeding.

Conclusion

This case continues to draw significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the serious allegations involved. The dismissal of the jury adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious legal battle.