The court hears legal arguments in the sexual assault case of five hockey players

ONDON, Ontario (AP) – Lawyers handling the sexual assault case of five members of the 2018 Canadian junior hockey team began several weeks of legal arguments Monday ahead of next year’s trial.

Dillon Dube, Carter Hart, Michael McLeod, Cal Foote and Alex Formenton were accused of sexual assault earlier this year regarding an incident that allegedly occurred in London, Ontario in June 2018.

McLeod faces an additional charge of contributing to a criminal sexual assault

On Monday, Dube, McLeod and Formenton made their first in-person court appearance in London, all three wearing dark suits.

Lawyers for the players said their clients plan to defend themselves against the charges and all five are expected to plead not guilty.

Trial by jury is scheduled to begin on April 22 and will be heard by Judge Maria Carroccia.

By then, several weeks had been allocated for legal arguments, but the issues raised at these hearings cannot currently be discussed due to a publication ban designed to protect the accused’s right to a fair trial.

The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred while the players and many of their teammates were in London for a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their gold medal win at this year’s world junior tournament.

Police launched an investigation, which was closed without charges in 2019 and later reopening in 2022.

Investigators reported in February after collecting new evidence, they could have brought charges, but declined to provide additional details, citing the court case.

The case has led to closer scrutiny of sports organizations and how they handle allegations of sexual misconduct.

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