Judge delivers verdict after multi-year court process
A judge has acquitted a former billet mother associated with the Peterborough Petes of two criminal charges: sexual exploitation and distributing sexually explicit material for the purpose of facilitating sexual exploitation.
Justice Marcella Henschel delivered the verdict on Tuesday afternoon following a judge-alone trial that centred on allegations involving a former Petes player who was 17 during the period referenced in the charges. The accused had pleaded not guilty to both counts.
What was before the court
Prosecutors alleged that, during a period when the player was a minor, there was sexual activity and exchange of material that formed part of a sexual relationship. The player testified at trial about alleged incidents of intercourse and about messages and contacts he said were part of that relationship.
The allegations were first made public in February 2024, with a second charge connected to sexually explicit material reported in March 2024. The Crown proceeded to a preliminary hearing in August 2025, and the full judge-alone trial began in August 2026.
A publication ban remains in place, prohibiting the publication of details that could identify protected individuals or disclose restricted evidence.
Publication ban and reporting limits
Court officials have maintained a publication ban throughout the proceedings. The ban restricts reporting of details that could identify protected individuals or disclose evidence that the court has ruled must remain confidential. Because of that order, limited factual information can be published about some aspects of the case.
The presence of a publication ban means members of the public and local media will not be able to access or disseminate certain courtroom details. The ban is standard in cases involving young people or where identification of victims could cause further harm or prejudice a fair process.
Local context and community implications
The case has attracted attention in Peterborough because of the accused's connection to the local junior hockey community. Billet families—who host young players away from home—play a long-standing role in the city's support network for junior hockey. Allegations of misconduct in that context can raise concerns among parents, host families and team officials about safeguarding and oversight.
While the court found the accused not guilty on the charges before it, the proceedings have underscored a broader public interest in how junior hockey teams, families and community organisations protect young athletes. Local stakeholders, including teams and player development programs, regularly review policies on host-family screening, training and reporting mechanisms to reduce risk and ensure player welfare.
- Charges: Sexual exploitation; distributing sexually explicit material for the purpose of facilitating sexual exploitation.
- Accused plea: Not guilty to both charges.
- Trial timeline: Allegations public Feb 2024; second charge March 2024; preliminary hearing Aug 2025; judge-alone trial began Aug 2026; verdict delivered in 2026.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2024 | Allegations first made public |
| March 2024 | Second charge reported |
| August 2025 | Preliminary hearing |
| August 2026 | Judge-alone trial began |
| 2026 (Tuesday afternoon) | Not guilty verdict delivered by Justice Marcella Henschel |
Because the publication ban limits disclosure, local authorities have not released identifying information about protected parties involved in the matter. Victim support services and police in Peterborough continue to provide resources and information to community members seeking assistance related to sexual exploitation or other forms of abuse.
The verdict closes this particular criminal proceeding, but it leaves lingering questions for the community about prevention, oversight and support for young athletes who move away from home to pursue competitive sport. Local organisations and families will likely revisit best practices for hosting and safeguarding as they work to support players and protect vulnerable individuals.
