Editor’s note
This article discusses sexual assault, which some readers may find disturbing.
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LONDON, Ontario – Following the declaration of a mistrial, a new jury consisting of nine women and five men was selected on Friday for the trial involving five former NHL players accused in an alleged 2018 sexual assault.
Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia issued the mistrial ruling. A publication ban is in place, preventing the media from reporting the specific reasons for the mistrial.
Under Canadian law, a mistrial is declared when it is deemed “necessary to prevent a miscarriage of justice,” as stated by the Canadian Legal Information Institute. This situation arises if there is a possibility the trial could be seen as `unfair`, or if it gives the appearance of unfairness to a well-informed, reasonable observer, considering the circumstances. The judge`s decision to grant a mistrial depends on whether “there is a real danger that trial fairness has been compromised.”
Michael McLeod, aged 27, faces two charges of sexual assault, one of which includes aiding in the offense. Dillon Dube (26), Cal Foote (26), Alex Formenton (25), and Carter Hart (26) are each charged with one count of sexual assault. All the accused men have entered pleas of not guilty.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday for a half day due to the federal election, and is anticipated to last up to eight weeks in total.
Tristan Blackwood