The Crown is challenging a recent mistrial declared in Frank Stronach’s sexual assault case. Stronach, a prominent businessman, was convicted of sexual assault and indecent assault in June in Toronto. The mistrial for the sexual assault conviction was granted by Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy after the presentation of emails from the woman’s lawyer in a separate civil case. Stronach’s lawyer, Leora Shemesh, claimed that these emails contradicted the woman’s testimony in the criminal trial.
The Crown filed a notice of appeal, arguing that Justice Molloy made errors in relying on privileged communications without exploring possible exceptions and in handling credibility issues raised during the mistrial application. The Crown seeks to reinstate the guilty verdict for sexual assault and return the case for sentencing at the Superior Court.
Shemesh expressed disappointment in the Crown’s decision to challenge the judge’s ruling, calling it a waste of court resources. Stronach, the founder of Magna International, initially faced twelve charges dating back to the late 1970s and 1990s involving seven complainants. By the trial’s end, one charge was withdrawn, and Stronach was acquitted of four others. Ultimately, he was convicted on two counts of indecent assault and is awaiting sentencing in September.