The defense lawyer for one of the players in the high-profile world junior sexual assault trial has accused the female complainant of creating a 'false narrative' after the alleged acts. David Humphrey, representing Michael McLeod, argued that the complainant abandoned restraint and shifted blame onto the defendants. He highlighted credibility concerns in the complainant's testimony during closing submissions before Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia in London.

Closing submissions began after the defense rested its case, with McLeod and four other players pleading not guilty to sexual assault charges. The Crown alleges non-consensual group sex with the then 20-year-old woman in McLeod's hotel room during events celebrating the team's championship win in 2018.

During the trial, it was revealed that the complainant had consensual sex with McLeod before the alleged assault. Defense lawyers argued that the complainant was not as intoxicated as claimed and suggested she had a 'clear agenda' in the case. Humphrey contended that the complainant's regret led to a fabricated story that triggered a criminal investigation.

The defense maintained that the complainant's communication of consent was clear and that she was not a reliable witness. The case has been ongoing since late April, with intense cross-examination of the complainant and conflicting testimonies from witnesses.