Stronach Defense Alleges Prosecutorial Misconduct in High-Profile Sex Assault Case
The Toronto sex assault trial of Canadian business magnate Frank Stronach has been thrust into controversy before testimony even began, with defense lawyers alleging that Crown prosecutors improperly coached female witnesses set to testify against the 93-year-old billionaire.
Defense Seeks Stay of Proceedings Over Witness Preparation
During Thursday's court proceedings, Stronach's lawyer Brian Shemesh argued that witness preparation meetings held just two weeks ago between prosecutors and complainants had potentially tainted testimony to such a degree that he would file a motion to stop the trial for abuse of process. The defense contends these meetings could compromise the integrity of the judicial process.
Judge Allows Police Testimony While Withholding Judgment
Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy acknowledged there was sufficient basis for defense concerns to permit Shemesh to call a police officer to testify about the meetings with complainants. However, she carefully noted that her ruling did not constitute a finding of prosecutorial misconduct.
"I want to emphasize at this stage, I am not making any finding that the Crown attorneys in this case acted improperly in any respect," Molloy stated in her ruling. "However, there's enough information from the notes that we have and the fact that so many witnesses added new information or changed their statements from before that I believe an air of reality is established."
Trial Details and Procedural Complexities
The trial, which alleges 12 sexual assaults against seven women spanning from 1977 to 1990, has already experienced significant delays. Originally scheduled to begin Tuesday, proceedings were pushed back to Thursday after Shemesh filed a new defense motion. Stronach entered a plea of not guilty to all charges during pre-trial hearings in June.
This represents just the first of two trials Stronach is expected to face this year following two sets of charges filed against him in 2024. The cases are being heard separately based on where the alleged incidents occurred. After the Toronto trial concludes, a second trial is anticipated later in the year in Newmarket, Ontario, near the headquarters of Magna International, the auto parts manufacturing empire Stronach built from humble beginnings.
Prosecution Response and Legal Arguments
Crown attorney David Tice argued against Shemesh's motion to question the police officer who documented the witness preparation meetings. Tice maintained this step was unnecessary since prosecutors had already provided detailed summaries of the meetings to the defense team.
Together, Peel Regional Police have alleged 18 offences involving 13 female complainants across both cases. The court has implemented a publication ban protecting the identities of the women, who are referenced only by initials in legal documents. Stronach has consistently denied all allegations against him.
Courtroom Atmosphere and Defendant's Appearance
During Thursday's proceedings, Stronach wore a dark suit and sat beside his lawyer at the defense table. The nonagenarian businessman arrived at court with a male assistant, moving somewhat slowly but appearing generally healthy for his age. His presence in the courtroom marked a dramatic contrast to his earlier public persona as a celebrated industrialist and self-made billionaire.
The case continues to unfold as legal teams navigate complex procedural questions while balancing the rights of the accused against the pursuit of justice for alleged victims.
