Judge rules in sexual assault trial of 5 hockey players

On July 24, 2025, Justice Maria Carroccia acquitted five former Canadian world junior hockey players—McLeod, Hart, Formenton, Dube, and Foote—of sexual assault charges from a June 2018 incident in London, Ontario. The judge deemed the complainant’s testimony unreliable, citing inconsistencies and lack of credible evidence.

Surveillance videos showed no signs of intoxication, contradicting the complainant’s claims. Consent videos and text messages further supported the defense’s argument of consensual activity. The Crown failed to prove non-consent beyond a reasonable doubt for any accused player.