London's police chief is reassuring the public two sexual assault cases involving hockey players were "conducted appropriately."
Chief Steve Williams issued a statement regarding the results of an internal review into the department's handling of the cases on Thursday morning.
"I am satisfied that [the investigations] were conducted appropriately," said Williams. "The investigations were conducted in accordance with London Police Service procedure, ensuring the victim was supported through referral to victim services, and that her wishes with respect to charges were followed."
Williams ordered the internal review last Friday after sports network TSN reported police had discouraged the victim in the case from pressing charges. The incident is alleged to have happened in March 2018. The unnamed woman told TSN she was sexually assaulted by two players, including one who played for Western University. She reported the incident to police in September 2019 and hoped that, in light of the Hockey Canada sexual assault scandal, police would reopen her case.
Williams said last week that one of the investigations resulted in one hockey player being charged with sexual assault. That charge was later withdrawn by the court after he entered into a peace bond that requires he not communicate or go near the complainant. TSN reported that man, who was a student at King's University College, a Western affiliate, was suspended for 18 months and booted off the university team.
No charges were laid in the second investigation, which was finalized and closed.
"As part of the review, London Police Service investigators spoke to the complainant and she has been provided with information regarding options, including having the investigation reopened," Williams said on Thursday.
He added that the police service continues to work with London’s Violence Against Women Community Advocacy Group to "ensure best practices in victim support and investigation of sexual assault offences."
Police continue to review a separate sexual assault case involving players of Canada's 2018 world junior team. The investigation was reopened in July after it came to light Hockey Canada had settled with the woman who alleged she was sexually assault by multiple players at a London hotel after a gala event in 2018.
It is not believed the two players in the March 2018 incident are connected to the alleged group sexual assault involving world junior players.
