Canadian hockey sexual assault trial takes dramatic turn as judge dismisses jury over defense conduct concerns

The high-profile sexual assault trial involving five former Canadian hockey players took an unexpected and serious turn Friday when Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia dismissed the jury due to allegations of misconduct by defense attorneys. The move will now place the responsibility of the verdict solely in the hands of the judge.The decision followed a formal complaint from a juror who submitted a note stating that multiple jury members felt mocked and ridiculed by the defense lawyers as they entered the courtroom. The juror alleged that attorneys Daniel Brown and Hilary Dudding—who represent one of the accused—laughed at them during proceedings. Both lawyers have firmly denied the accusation.Though Justice Carroccia stated she had not observed any behavior from counsel that concerned her directly, she acknowledged that the jurors’ perception of bias could affect the impartiality of the trial. “The jurors’ negative impression of the defense could impact the jury’s impartiality and was a problem that could not be remedied,” she concluded, thereby opting for a judge-only trial moving forward.The case involves five former junior hockey players—Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Cal Foote, and Alex Formenton—who were charged in 2024 following renewed investigations into a 2018 incident in London, Ontario. The alleged assault took place during a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their world junior championship win. McLeod faces an additional charge of being a party to the offense.All five men have pleaded not guilty and are currently not affiliated with any NHL team or under contract.The woman at the center of the case testified remotely, stating that she was drunk, naked, and frightened when multiple men entered a hotel room. “I felt I had to go along with what the men wanted me to do,” she said. The prosecution argues that the men never made efforts to confirm consent.Defense attorneys, however, challenged her credibility during extensive cross-examinations, suggesting she willingly participated. She responded that she has no memory of initiating anything and insisted the players should have known she was in no condition to consent.Also Read: Mitch Marner’s last stand in Toronto? Leafs star poised to walk away amid team’s playoff collapse and front office frictionWith the trial now in the hands of the judge, attention shifts to how Justice Carroccia will navigate this deeply sensitive and complex case.