Uncategorized
Videos not evidence of complainant’s consent, Crown argues at world junior trial
Prosecutors in the sexual assault trial of five hockey players argue two videos in which the complainant says she’s “OK with this” and that “it was all consensual” are not evidence that she actually consented to the sexual acts that took place inside a London, Ont., hotel room.
Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham says the videos, taken about an hour apart in the early hours of June 19, 2018, did not constitute reasonable steps to determine whether the woman voluntarily consented to specific sexual acts with any specific person, but instead were “token lip service box checking.”
Cunningham says the woman was simply telling Michael McLeod what he wanted to hear, noting the player can be heard telling the woman to “say it” at the start of the second video.
The prosecutor argued that several men who were in the room testified they thought the woman was acting strangely that night but that no one attempted at any point to have a sincere conversation with her about what she wanted.
Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube and Callan Foote have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, while McLeod has also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of being a party to the offence of sexual assault.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
Defence lawyers representing the players made their closing submissions to the judge earlier this week, focusing largely on the complainant’s credibility and reliability as a witness.
Lawyers for McLeod, Hart, Formenton and Dube argued their clients had consensual sexual contact with the woman, while Foote’s lawyer argued he didn’t touch her, sexually or otherwise.
The Crown, which is expected to wrap its closing submissions Friday, argued Thursday that the complainant’s actions should not be judged based on what others believe she should have done that night.
Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia is expected to deliver her ruling in the case on July 24.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
TORONTO – The Toronto Blue Jays reinstated second baseman Andres Gimenez from the 10-day injured list Tuesday and designated infielder Buddy Kennedy for assignment.
Gimenez, a three-time Gold Glove award winner, missed five weeks with a left ankle sprain.
Related Videos
The moves were announced shortly before the Blue Jays opened a three-game series against the visiting Chicago Cubs.
Entering play Tuesday night, Gimenez had five homers, 23 RBIs and a .218 average.
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
Kennedy had one hit in two games for the Blue Jays. He also played four games for the Philadelphia Phillies earlier this season.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
Around 2:30 p.m., Toronto police said they were called to the area of Woodbine and Duvernet avenues for reports someone had been stabbed inside a neighbouring home.
Source link
TORONTO – Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro declined to comment on contract extension talks Tuesday but said he wants to remain with the club and that team ownership has been “reciprocal in that desire.”
Shapiro, who also serves as chief executive officer, is in the final year of his contract.
“When I think about alternatives, I’ve never been a grass is greener guy,” he said in a pre-game availability. “Twenty-four years in one place in Cleveland and 10 years here now.
Related Videos
“So it’s the appreciation for what I have and the people that I get to work with every day, the city that I work in and the country that I live in, those things are drivers for me to remain here.”
Shapiro, 58, joined the club in 2015 and signed a five-year extension in January 2021.
Get daily National news
Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
He took questions from reporters for about 20 minutes in a rare in-season media session. Shapiro was asked directly whether there had been discussions with team owner Rogers Communications on a new deal.
“Sure, yeah, I mean I think (it’s) not appropriate for me to comment beyond the fact that what I just said is I want to remain here,” Shapiro said. “And I can also say that both (Rogers executive chair) Edward (Rogers) and (Rogers president/CEO) Tony (Staffieri) have been reciprocal in that desire.”
It has been a worst-to-first campaign for Canada’s lone Major League Baseball team. The Blue Jays finished last in the American League East division standings last season but have enjoyed a stellar season in 2025.
Toronto entered Tuesday night’s game against the visiting Chicago Cubs with the best record in the AL at 69-50.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 12, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
-
Uncategorized2 months agoAccording to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Uncategorized2 months ago
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Uncategorized2 months ago
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform
-
Uncategorized2 months ago
Uber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State
-
Uncategorized2 months ago
New Season 8 Walking Dead trailer flashes forward in time
-
Uncategorized2 months ago
Meet Superman’s grandfather in new trailer for Krypton
-
Uncategorized2 months ago
6 Stunning new co-working spaces around the globe
-
Uncategorized2 months ago
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season