LONDON — Defence lawyers are set to continue their final pitches to the judge today in the sexual assault trial of five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team. The trial, which began in late April 2025, has garnered significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the serious charges they face.

On Tuesday, the court heard submissions from the lawyers representing two of the accused individuals, Alex Formenton and Dillon Dube. Dube’s lawyer is expected to conclude her arguments today, after which prosecutors will present their final submissions to the judge.

The key issue at the trial revolves around the question of whether the complainant consented to the sexual activity that allegedly took place in a hotel room in London, Ontario, during the early morning hours of June 19, 2018. Formenton’s lawyer, Daniel Brown, has argued that the testimony provided by the complainant regarding her state of mind that night is contradicted by both video evidence and the accounts of other witnesses, which could play a crucial role in the court’s deliberation.

The five individuals facing charges include Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, and Callan Foote, in addition to Formenton and Dube. All five have pleaded not guilty to the charge of sexual assault. Notably, McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault, which further complicates the case against him.

As the trial unfolds, both the defence and prosecution are gearing up for their final arguments, which will lead to a pivotal moment in the proceedings. Following the completion of the defence’s submissions, the prosecution will have the opportunity to present its case once more, aiming to reinforce the evidence against the accused.

The judge is anticipated to deliver her ruling on July 24, 2025, marking a significant conclusion to this trial that has significant implications for all parties involved. The court's decision will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, given the public interest in the case and the reputations of the accused as former elite athletes on a global stage.