Frank Stronach’s lawyer plans to apply for stay of proceedings in sex assault trial

By Canadian Press on February 5, 2026.

TORONTO — The lawyer representing Canadian businessman Frank Stronach in his Toronto sexual assault trial says she is planning to apply for a stay of proceedings over concerns that some witnesses were coached by prosecutors.

Leora Shemesh says concerns regarding abuse of process arose after the defence received a batch of disclosure “at the 11th hour” that included new statements from all of the complainants and notes from an officer who observed one of the witness preparation meetings.

The defence lawyer is questioning that officer in court today regarding his memory of the Jan. 20 meeting in preparation for the stay application, which would be heard at the end of the trial.

Crown prosecutors had objected, arguing it would be an “extreme error” to examine the officer at this time and that there is no basis for allegations of abuse of process or Crown misconduct.

Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy, who is presiding over the case, found the defence “should be allowed to explore that issue” by examining the officer.

Stronach’s trial was scheduled to begin Tuesday but his lawyer asked for more time to prepare after receiving what she described as a large volume of new materials that includes several videotaped statements.

The 93-year-old tycoon, who became one of Canada’s wealthiest people as the founder of the auto parts manufacturer Magna International, is facing 12 charges related to seven complainants.

The charges stem from alleged incidents that took place between the 1970s and 1990s.

Stronach, who has denied all allegations, was charged with 18 offences related to 13 complainants in 2024, but the case was eventually split in two.

A separate trial on the remaining allegations is scheduled later this year in Newmarket, Ont.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 5, 2026.

Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press