Beyond the local: Stronach sexual assault trial postponed for 3 months

A lawyer defending former auto parts magnate Frank Stronach on multiple sexual assault charges appeared in court Monday and was granted a three-month delay in the trial.

Mr. Stronach, who did not appear in person or on video Monday, was charged in June with 13 sex crimes against 10 alleged victims. The charges include rape, sexual assault and forcible restraint for incidents that allegedly took place in the Toronto area between 1977 and 2024.

Justice Karen Murphy of the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton, Ontario, scheduled October 7 as the next court date and imposed a publication ban on the plaintiffs’ names.

Defense lawyer Christopher Lutes, who addressed the judge via video link, asked for the adjournment as he said Mr Stronach’s team was awaiting full disclosure of the Crown’s case.

Crown prosecutor Alexandra Berg, during the five-minute proceeding, told the court that the prosecution’s evidence included video statements and surveillance tape.

In a statement last Friday, Mr. Stronach’s lawyer, Brian Greenspan, said: “We ask the public to respect the fundamental precept that Mr. Stronach remains innocent of any wrongdoing and that he will answer these charges in a fair and public court. “

Mr. Stronach has been forced to surrender his passport and is prohibited from having any contact with the alleged victims or going anywhere he might encounter them.

Born in Austria, Mr. Stronach founded auto parts maker Magna International in Toronto in 1957. The company has become one of the largest auto parts manufacturers in the world, and today employs 179,000 people in 28 countries.

Mr. Stronach resigned as president of Magna in 2011 and retired as a director in 2012. He also had a consulting agreement with the company that expired in 2014. Mr. Stronach is no longer affiliated with Magna, Tracy Tracy said Fuerst, the company spokeswoman. .

“The initial and mounting criminal charges against Mr. Stronach by Peel Regional Police are alarming and deeply disturbing because the alleged actions completely contradict Magna’s core values ​​and beliefs,” Ms. Fuerst said. “We hold everyone, regardless of their status inside or outside the company, to the highest standards and are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and protected.”

Mr. Stronach was arrested and charged on June 7 with five counts against three alleged victims. The charges include rape and forcible confinement and stem from incidents that allegedly took place in 1980, 1986 and 2023.

On June 28, Mr. Stronach was charged with eight other alleged crimes between 1977 and 2024, including sexual assault and attempted rape, in complaints filed by seven women.

The allegations have not been proven in court.