Ontario Superior Court Justice Anne Molloy on Friday convicted Frank Stronach of one count of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault, describing aspects of his conduct in the courtroom as "gross and disgusting." The verdict follows a trial that opened in February and examined allegations spanning several decades.
Police initially arrested and charged Stronach in 2024 with a range of criminal offences, among them sexual assault and rape, tied to alleged incidents taking place from the late 1970s through to 2024. The court heard two specific allegations that led to the convictions.
Molloy found Stronach guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in the early 1980s. That woman told the court the incident took place after she had dinner nearby and then visited Stronach at his Toronto condominium. The judge also convicted Stronach on a separate indecent assault charge related to a late 1970s allegation in which a woman said he groped her at his condo.
Stronach, who did not give testimony during the trial, was cleared by Molloy on several other charges, including attempted rape and rape. His legal team highlighted the acquittals in a reaction following the verdict.
Leora Shemesh, one of Stronach's lawyers, said in an email that they were "extremely happy" that the more serious allegations - rape and additional counts of sexual assault - were dismissed. Shemesh added, "We are disappointed by the convictions on the two very minor offenses."
Stronach is an Austrian-born businessman who founded auto parts maker Magna International in 1957 and later became one of Canadas wealthiest individuals. The company has stated it has had no affiliation with Stronach since he relinquished control of Magna in 2010.
Sentencing in this case has been scheduled for a later date. In addition to the penalties that will follow this conviction, Stronach is due to stand trial on another sexual assault charge next year.
Context and courtroom notes
The trial considered alleged conduct that, according to the charges, occurred decades ago. Molloys judgment treated each charge on its individual merits, resulting in convictions on two counts and acquittals on others. The criminal process remains active for Stronach, who will face sentencing and a further trial in the coming year.