Lawyers continue final submissions in Stronach sexual assault trial

By Canadian Press on April 1, 2026.

TORONTO — Lawyers are set to continue their final submissions today in the
sexual assault trial of billionaire businessman Frank Stronach.

Stronach’s defence lawyer argued Tuesday that his accusers lied and in some cases fabricated their accounts.

Leora Shemesh also criticized what she described as “tunnel vision” among the officers who investigated the decades-old allegations, arguing it tainted the evidence.

Crown prosecutors argued any inconsistencies in the complainants’ testimony were peripheral and did not affect the core of their allegations.

Stronach, who achieved fame and wealth as the founder of the auto parts giant Magna International, has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges related to seven complainants.

However, prosecutors have withdrawn five charges related to three complainants over the course of the trial, leaving him with seven charges related to four women.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press