Carter Hart, one of five former members of Canada’s world junior hockey team charged with sexual assault, took the stand Thursday in a London, Ontario courtroom after the Crown formally closed its case.
Hart, called by his lawyer Megan Savard, admitted to having sexual contact with the complainant, referred to as E.M., during the early hours of June 19, 2018, at the Delta Hotel. He testified that the encounter was consensual and initiated by E.M., describing her as naked and encouraging sexual activity. Hart claimed the oral sex lasted under a minute due to difficulty maintaining arousal.
He also stated that E.M. became irritated because no one was engaging with her sexually and recalled teammate Alex Formenton entering a bathroom with her, where the Crown alleges nonconsensual intercourse occurred.
Hart denied witnessing any sexual misconduct involving teammate Cal Foote, who faces allegations of making physical contact with E.M. by doing the splits over her. Hart testified Foote was clothed and did not touch E.M., calling the moment “fun,” and noted that E.M. appeared to be laughing.
Defense lawyers began cross-examinations. Michael McLeod’s lawyer, David Humphrey, confirmed Hart contacted McLeod post-incident to clarify whether the situation was a Hockey Canada or police investigation. Formenton’s lawyer, Hilary Dudding, questioned Hart on the atmosphere in the room; Hart denied seeing any degrading behavior or disrespect toward E.M.
Dillon Dube’s lawyer, Julie Santarossa, clarified that Dube was minimally present in the room. Hart confirmed he saw no physical aggression or inappropriate items such as golf equipment, which were previously mentioned in testimony.
Cal Foote’s lawyer, Julianna Greenspan, reinforced that her client remained clothed and made no physical contact, with Hart confirming E.M. was smiling during the interaction.
The Crown is set to begin cross-examining Hart on Friday morning.
Swifteradio.com
