The Crown is challenging a recent post-verdict mistrial in Frank Stronach’s sexual assault case. Stronach, a billionaire businessman, was convicted in June of sexual assault and indecent assault in Toronto. The mistrial on the sexual assault charge was granted by Justice Anne Molloy after emails from the woman’s lawyer in a civil complaint raised concerns about inconsistencies in her testimony.
Stronach’s lawyer, Leora Shemesh, argued that the emails presented a different narrative from the woman’s testimony. The Crown filed a notice of appeal, claiming that Justice Molloy made errors in considering privileged communications and in evaluating credibility issues.
The Crown is seeking to reinstate the guilty verdict on the sexual assault charge and return the case for sentencing. Stronach, the founder of Magna International, faced multiple charges dating back to the late 1970s involving seven complainants. The trial concluded with Stronach being found guilty on two counts, with sentencing for the indecent assault charge scheduled for September.
Shemesh expressed disappointment in the Crown’s appeal, calling it a misuse of court resources and suggesting political motivations. She criticized the appeal as a prolonged pursuit against Stronach, who still faces another sexual assault trial next year. The town of Aurora, Ontario, has decided to remove Stronach’s name from a recreation complex following his conviction.
