Lawyers begin final submissions in Frank Stronach sex assault trial

By Canadian Press on March 31, 2026.

TORONTO — Lawyers for Canadian auto parts tycoon Frank Stronach are making their final submissions in his sexual assault trial, challenging the credibility and reliability of his accusers.

Defence lawyer Leora Shemesh argues the complainants “lied, manipulated and certainly attempted to deceive the court,” and some fabricated their accounts.

She also argues that the two Peel Region police officers who led the investigation had “tunnel vision,” and their investigation ultimately “tainted the evidence.”

Those officers were called by the defence and finished their testimony earlier this month, closing out the evidence in the case.

Stronach, who is 93, has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges related to alleged incidents dating back decades.

Over the course of the trial, prosecutors have dropped five charges related to three of the seven complainants, though the defence has argued Stronach should instead be found not guilty on those counts.

The founder and former CEO of Magna International still faces seven charges related to four complainants.

His lawyers have also indicated they will seek a stay of proceedings, alleging some of the complainants were coached by the Crown in preparation for trial.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2026.

The Canadian Press