The World Juniors sexual assault trial will proceed with only a judge after the jury was dismissed over concerns of fairness in the Ontario court.

Judge to Decide World Juniors Assault Case After Jury Dismissal

Jury Dismissed Amid Fairness Concerns

In a significant development, the high-profile World Juniors sexual assault trial will now proceed with only a judge presiding, following the dismissal of the jury early Friday. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia made the decision shortly after the day’s proceedings began, thanking the 14 jurors for their service before discharging them.

Background of the Case

The trial centers on allegations against five former members of Canada’s World Junior hockey team-Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote-each of whom has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault. The Crown alleges the incident involved non-consensual group sex in a London, Ontario hotel room in June 2018. The complainant, identified only as E.M. due to a publication ban, testified over two days and underwent rigorous cross-examination by the defense.

Why Was the Jury Dismissed?

The jury’s dismissal followed a note from one juror expressing concerns about the conduct of Formenton’s defense lawyers, Daniel Brown and Hillary Dudding. The juror believed the lawyers were laughing at the jury as they entered the courtroom. Justice Carroccia said this perception could compromise the jury’s ability to remain impartial and might also affect the defense’s ability to represent their client effectively.

Brown and Dudding called the note an “unfortunate misinterpretation,” emphasizing that no defense counsel would risk alienating a juror and that their conduct was misconstrued. They expressed disappointment that their client, Mr. Formenton, would not have a jury trial but voiced confidence in Justice Carroccia’s ability to ensure a fair process.

Previous Mistrial and Next Steps

This is the second time the trial has faced a major procedural setback. In late April, a mistrial was declared after a juror accused Dudding of initiating a conversation during a lunch break-an allegation Dudding denied, stating any interaction was accidental.

The shift to a judge-only trial means the proceedings can continue without restarting, sparing the complainant from having to testify again. Testimony resumed Friday with former team member Tyler Steenbergen, who is not charged in the case, returning to the stand.

The trial is expected to last a total of eight weeks, with the court now relying solely on Justice Carroccia to deliver a verdict.

King Charles’s upcoming Canada visit marks a historic first—politically and ceremonially—at a critical time for Canadian sovereignty and U.S. relations.

A Royal Visit Unlike Any Before

When King Charles arrives in Canada on May 26, it will be his 20th visit to the country—but this trip will be unlike any before. In a two-day stopover filled with symbolic and political significance, the monarch will deliver the speech from the throne in Ottawa, marking a historic first for a reigning king. His visit also comes at a time when Canadian sovereignty is under increasing rhetorical pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, making this royal engagement much more than ceremonial.

A King’s Role at a Critical Time

Royal historian Justin Vovk calls the visit “unprecedented”—not only for Canada and King Charles personally but also for the broader context of the Crown’s role in modern geopolitics. While constitutionally symbolic, the King’s visit may carry unspoken diplomatic weight.

“There’s a great deal of attention being paid by Washington, the Commonwealth, and observers around the world,” Vovk says. “If this visit goes flawlessly, it could help solidify national unity during a time of uncertainty.”

The Speech from the Throne: Rare and Symbolic

King Charles will become the first male monarch to deliver Canada’s speech from the throne in Ottawa. In fact, this will only be the third time in history that a reigning monarch performs this ceremonial duty in Canada. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did so in 1957 and 1977. David Johnson, a political science professor, notes the international attention the event is likely to receive: “It won’t just be Canadian news—it’ll be covered globally, including in the U.S., Britain, and across Europe.”

Observers will be closely watching the language used in the throne speech, looking for subtle messages directed at U.S. leadership. Diplomatic phrases like “challenging times” or “external pressures” may be deliberate signals from Canada about its independence and constitutional identity.

Beyond Ceremony: A Message to the World

According to Johnson, Prime Minister Mark Carney is leveraging the visit to reaffirm Canada’s distinct national identity. “The King embodies the Canadian Constitution. His presence underscores our sovereignty and our separation from American political rhetoric.”

There are no confirmed public engagements for King Charles and Queen Camilla beyond the speech, though the King’s longstanding interest in Indigenous reconciliation and environmental causes could shape his private meetings.

A More Personal Royal Touch

In the lead-up to the visit, King Charles met with Governor General Mary Simon and Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant-Governor Bernadette McIntyre, who presented him with local gifts, reinforcing his personal connection with Canada.

Meanwhile, a quieter royal moment unfolded at Buckingham Palace earlier this month. Prince George, age 11, was seen actively engaging with Second World War veterans during a VE Day tea party. It was a rare unscripted moment for the young royal and a glimpse into how the next generation is being groomed for public service.

Royal watchers see this as part of a thoughtful parenting strategy by Prince William and Princess Catherine, giving George limited, pressure-free exposure to royal duties.

No Sign of Family Reconciliation

One major shadow looming over the monarchy is the ongoing estrangement between King Charles and Prince Harry. After a failed legal bid regarding security arrangements in the U.K., Harry expressed his desire for reconciliation, but insiders say the King must remain distant until legal matters are resolved.

“Any private discussion between father and son would be constitutionally fraught,” said cultural historian Judith Rowbotham. “The King takes his coronation oath seriously and will not act outside of protocol.