Witness Describes Frank Stronach’s Unwanted Advances as ‘Like an Octopus’
The sexual assault trial involving billionaire Frank Stronach commenced recently, featuring significant testimonies from complainants who have accused him of numerous offences. The first witness, known only as LS due to a publication ban, detailed a harrowing experience she claims occurred in the early 1980s.
Key Testimonies in Frank Stronach’s Trial
LS testified that the alleged assault began at Rooney’s, a restaurant owned by Stronach in Toronto, where she and two other horse grooms celebrated her upcoming birthday. According to her account, Stronach approached their table with champagne before their interactions escalated.
- LS described Stronach’s behavior as “like an octopus,” stating he was all over her without her consent.
- The incident allegedly progressed to more intimate actions on the dance floor and later in a private setting under a mirrored ceiling.
- LS reported waking up in a disoriented state, seeing Stronach in a compromising position beside her.
Chronology of Allegations
Frank Stronach, who is now 93 years old, faces a total of twelve charges related to seven different complainants, including severe accusations such as rape and forcible confinement. These incidents reportedly took place between 1977 and 1990, primarily in Toronto, with one charge stemming from Scarborough.
The trial, overseen by Justice Anne Molloy of the Ontario Superior Court, will delve into multiple cases independently, while suggesting circumstantial links between them. The proceedings are expected to span several weeks.
Victim’s Reluctance to Report
During her testimony, LS expressed her initial reluctance to report the incident, fearing disbelief and stigma associated with being a victim. She later approached the police in 2015, uncertain of the exact date but recalling it was around July 1981.
Under cross-examination, defense attorney Leora Shemesh questioned LS on perceived inconsistencies in her recounting of the events. LS acknowledged gaps in her memory, providing a date range, acknowledging she mixed years but remained steadfast that the incident happened in the early 1980s.
Implications for Stronach and Further Trials
The outcome of this trial is critical for Stronach, as he will later face a separate trial in Newmarket, Ontario, concerning similar allegations linked to incidents near Aurora, Ontario. These allegations reflect a broader examination of Stronach’s past as the founder of Magna International, which was established in the 1950s and grew into a leading global auto-parts supplier.
As the case unfolds, the prosecution aims to prove that Stronach engaged in the alleged acts with knowledge of the victims’ lack of consent or was willfully blind to it. Observers await how the testimonies will weigh against the billionaire’s plea of not guilty.
Conclusion
The trial of Frank Stronach marks a significant moment in addressing long-standing allegations of sexual misconduct. With testimonies like that of LS revealing disturbing behaviors likened to “an octopus,” the court will examine the claims thoroughly to bring justice for the complainants involved.
