Five ice hockey players acquitted in Canada sexual assault case

Five Canadian ice hockey players accused of sexually assaulting a woman were all acquitted by an Ontario judge on Thursday. The former players for Canada's world junior hockey team were accused of assaulting the woman, known as EM, in a hotel room in 2018 in London, Ontario. Justice Maria Carroccia declared the men not guilty after reviewing testimony and evidence from the eight-week trial.

The central issue was whether EM, who was 20 at the time, had consented to every sexual act. The players' lawyers argued that she had given consent. The trial attracted significant attention in Canada, with many people attending court to hear the ruling.

Justice Carroccia pointed to inconsistencies in EM's testimony and said her statements did not align with the evidence presented. Two videos from the incident were shared in the trial, showing EM giving consent. The judge noted that the videos did not establish consent but showed EM speaking normally and not in distress.

It is unclear if the Crown will appeal the ruling. The prosecutor stated they will review the decision carefully. Throughout the trial, the Crown argued that the woman's testimony was credible and that any inconsistencies were minor.

According to the source: BBC.