Editor’s note
This article discusses sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers.
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LONDON, Ontario – The court proceedings involving five former NHL players facing charges of a 2018 sexual assault are scheduled to recommence on Friday with a jury present.
Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia is presiding over the case. Due to a publication ban, details of Thursday`s court events cannot be reported.
On Wednesday, Justice Carroccia informed the jury that an unspecified event occurred during the lunch break requiring her deliberation and discussion with counsel, leading to the jury`s dismissal for the day. No further information about the incident was provided to the jury.
Earlier that Wednesday, the prosecution`s opening statement outlined the anticipated evidence for the trial and indicated that consent would be a central issue in the case.
Michael McLeod, aged 27, faces two charges of sexual assault, one of which involves assisting in the offense. Dillon Dube (26), Cal Foote (26), Alex Formenton (25), and Carter Hart (26) are each charged with one count of sexual assault. All five defendants have entered not-guilty pleas.
The duration of the trial is estimated to be between five and eight weeks.
