Defence Continues Cross-Examination in Hockey Players' Sexual Assault Trial

The sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team is ongoing, with the complainant continuing her testimony and facing cross-examination by defense lawyers. The woman described feeling as though she was on 'autopilot' and compelled to comply with the men's wishes during the alleged incident at a London, Ontario hotel in June 2018. She testified to feeling as if she left her body while the defendants laughed, stating, 'It was all just a joke to them.' The accused—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote—have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, with McLeod also pleading not guilty to an additional related charge. The trial has heard that the accused and teammates were in town for events celebrating their championship win at the time of the alleged assault. The complainant, who was 20 at the time, remains unidentified due to a publication ban.