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Hockey Canada Sex Assault Trial: Defence Lawyers Challenge Complainant's Testimony

Cross-examination of the complainant in the high-profile trial continues, with defence lawyers scrutinizing her memory, language, and actions during the 2018 incident.

Overview

  • The complainant, known as E. M., has been testifying via CCTV for over a week, facing extensive cross-examination from defence lawyers representing five accused former junior hockey players.
  • Defence teams have focused on inconsistencies in E. M.'s statements from 2018, 2022, and her current testimony, questioning her memory, level of intoxication, and use of language.
  • E. M. has maintained that the group sexual activity in Michael McLeod’s hotel room was non-consensual, despite the defence suggesting she invited or encouraged the players' actions.
  • The trial stems from a reopened investigation following revelations in 2022 that Hockey Canada used registration fees to settle sexual assault claims, leading to public and parliamentary scrutiny.
  • The Crown is expected to address issues of consent and clarify the complainant's testimony once the defence concludes its cross-examination.