BREAKING: New jury selected in sexual assault trial of former junior hockey players

A new jury has been selected for the retrial of five former youth hockey players.

Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dabe and Cal Foote are accused of sexual assault.

The new jury is made up of 14 people; 9 women and 5 men.

On Friday morning, it was announced that the previous trial had been dismissed due to a “mistrial” (mistrial), and the original jury, which consisted of 11 women and 3 men, had been dismissed.

Under a gag order, the media is not allowed to report the exact reason for the mistrial.

Judge Maria Caruccia said in court:

“I regret to inform you that I have ordered a mistrial in this case. For that reason, this jury will be dismissed and you may leave.”

She did not elaborate at the time on the reason for the decision, only saying that a matter had arisen that required discussion with the lawyers.

The players, who have all pleaded not guilty, are accused of committing the crime in a hotel room in London, Ontario, in June 2018.

Because Monday is Canada's federal election day, Judge Caruccia said the court session would be shorter that day to allow everyone to vote.

He added:
"Instead of starting on Friday, we will start again on Monday morning.

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