Judge dismisses jury in hockey sexual assault trial
The jury was dismissed Friday in the trial of five former NHLers accused of sexual assault, which will now be a judge-only trial.
Content warning: This story includes allegations of sexual assault.
LONDON, Ont. — The jury was dismissed Friday in the trial of five former NHLers accused of sexual assault, which will now be a judge-only trial.
Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia thanked the jury for their service before discharging them. The jury first heard evidence on April 28. Evidence to this point will not need to be reheard, nor will witnesses who previously testified have to testify again.
Jurors were dismissed after one submitted a note to the judge on Thursday saying some members felt lawyers for the defence of one of the accused were making fun of them when they were walking in.
Michael McLeod has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, including one relating to aiding in the offence. Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, Alex Formenton and Carter Hart have each been charged with one count of sexual assault. All have pleaded not guilty to their charges.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice judge-alone trial continues Friday.
