Ruling in hockey players’ sex assault trial expected Thursday

A verdict is expected to be read Thursday morning in the trial of five hockey players accused of sexual assault.

Unlike in a jury trial, the judge will also lay out the reasons for her findings.

The path to Thursday’s verdict has not been straightforward, with a mistrial being called within the first week, followed by the jury being dismissed.

Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael Mcleod, Callan Foote and Alex Formenton all plead not guilty to sexual assault, in connection with an incident that took place in a London hotel room in 2018.

Mcleod, who prosecutors allege is the so-called ringleader, has also plead not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.

READ MORE: Videos in hockey players’ trial highlight misconceptions about consent: law experts

The players, who are all now between the ages of 25 and 27, were in London at the time for a gala and golf tournament marking their championship victory in the World Junior Hockey Championships.

The court heard the complainant, who has only been identified through initials E.M., had consensual sex with Mcleod in his hotel room, which was not part of the trial.

It was what came after; prosecutors allege Mcleod then brought his friends into the room to engage in sexual acts with the woman without her knowledge, or consent.

The defense argues the woman actively participated in the activities, and later made up a false narrative to absolve herself of responsibility.

In total, nine witnesses testified, including the complainant, who spoke via CCTV from another room in the courthouse.

READ MORE: Judge set to deliver ruling after turbulent sexual assault trial of five hockey players