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2w ago

Defence Attacks Complainant’s Credibility as Closing Arguments Conclude in World Junior Trial

Defence counsel have depicted the complainant’s account as a 'white lie' born of regret over consensual encounters, setting the stage for the Crown’s final submissions, with a July 24 judgment scheduled.

A composite image of five photographs show former members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors hockey team, left to right, Alex Formenton, Cal Foote, Michael McLeod, Dillon Dube and Carter Hart as they individually arrived to court in London, Ont., Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
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Boris Katchouk, left, is cross examined by Michael McLeod's Lawyer David Humphrey as part of the sexual assault case of five former members of the 2018 Team Canada junior hockey team.

Overview

  • Defence lawyers argued the complainant fabricated the assault narrative after sobering up and regretting consensual sex with Michael McLeod in his London hotel room.
  • Counsel challenged claims of extreme intoxication and coercion by citing surveillance footage from a bar and highlighting inconsistencies in witness testimony.
  • Alex Formenton’s defence asserted that the complainant exaggerated allegations to strengthen a civil lawsuit seeking financial compensation from Hockey Canada.
  • Crown prosecutors are set to present their closing arguments later this week, after which Justice Maria Carroccia will reserve her verdict until July 24, 2025.
  • The trial has renewed scrutiny of Hockey Canada’s 2022 settlement and is prompting broader conversations about consent protocols in sports organizations.