Stronach faces verdict in sexual assault trial today
Ontario judge expected to rule on charges against Magna founder after trial that saw alleged victims' count drop from 7 to 3.
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Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy is expected to deliver her verdict today in the sexual assault trial of Frank Stronach, the 93-year-old founder of auto-parts giant Magna International.
Stronach faces five counts related to three female complainants: indecent assault for one, sexual assault for another, and sexual assault and indecent assault for a third. When the judge-alone trial began in February, he faced 12 counts from seven complainants, including historical rape and attempted rape charges. Throughout proceedings, the Crown withdrew multiple charges, saying there wasn't sufficient evidence to sustain findings of guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Molloy signalled near trial's end that she would find Stronach not guilty on two counts related to one complainant. The withdrawal of charges has prompted legal experts to question the initial strength of the prosecution's case and whether potential weaknesses were anticipated beforehand.
The allegations span nearly 50 years, from 1977 to 1990. All seven original complainants testified, many describing how they met Stronach at Rooney's, a Toronto restaurant he owned, then accepted invitations back to his Harbourfront condo where they say he sexually assaulted them. Two alleged assaults occurred elsewhere—one at a hotel, another at a midtown Toronto apartment.
Stronach attended court daily but did not testify in his own defence. He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. A second trial involving six additional complainants is scheduled for next year in Newmarket.