Toronto (Rajeev Sharma): The high-profile sexual assault trial of billionaire Frank Stronach reached a critical juncture Monday as the final complainant provided a chilling account of an alleged encounter in the early 1980s. The witness, now in her late 60s, testified to a sense of total helplessness during an incident at Stronach’s waterfront apartment.
The woman recounted a vivid and traumatic detail, stating she would never forget the sound of her pantyhose being ripped until only the waistband remained. She testified that she lay on a cot sobbing quietly while the businessman penetrated her, fearing that any further resistance would provoke his growing aggression. Stronach, 93, has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to a series of charges spanning several decades.
The day’s proceedings were further complicated by significant legal maneuvering regarding other allegations. The Crown moved to withdraw a sexual assault charge related to a different complainant—the sixth of seven to testify citing no “reasonable prospect of conviction.” Crown attorney Jelena Vlacic indicated that this decision followed a review of newly discovered police notes from 2006.
Defence lawyer Leora Shemesh argued that the court should instead enter a finding of not guilty, claiming the notes were in “complete contradiction” to the witness’s testimony. These documents had previously gone undiscovered because they were filed under a police officer’s maiden name.
Justice Anne Molloy, who recently expressed concerns over the fairness of the trial following a contentious cross-examination that devolved into a “shouting match,” stated that the court would address the status of the withdrawn charge once the Crown finishes presenting its evidence.
As the prosecution nears the end of its case, the court continues to balance the emotional distress of complainants with the defendant’s fundamental right to a fair trial.
