Two more charges will be withdrawn in the sexual assault trial of Frank Stronach, meaning the Canadian businessman is now facing seven counts, down from the original 12.
“We are not going to make submissions at the conclusion of the trial, that there is sufficient evidence to sustain findings of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt with respect to the allegations relating to … counts seven and eight on the indictment,” Crown prosecutor Jelena Vlacic told court on Monday.
Those two counts of sexual assault relate to two of the seven complainants in the case.
Earlier, on Friday, Vlacic told the court that after reviewing the evidence related to the attempt rape charge connected to the third complainant to testify, “it does fall short” in terms of meeting the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Meanwhile, the Crown had previously told court it would be withdrawing two other counts — forcible confinement and sexual assault, related to the sixth complainant to testify.
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Stronach now faces seven counts, related to four of the initial seven complainants. The 93-year-old founder of auto-parts giant Magna International has denied the allegations and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The decision to no longer pursue two of the charges on Monday comes as the Stronach’s lawyer Leora Shemesh is launching her defence.
Last week, the Crown rested its case, having heard from all seven complainants whose allegations against Stronach included sexual assault and the historical charge of rape.
Many of the women told similar stories — meeting Stronach at Rooney’s, the Toronto restaurant he used to own, and then accepting an invitation back to his Harbourfront condo. It’s there where they allege he sexually assaulted them.
The Crown called eight witnesses, all seven complainants and the friend and co-worker of the final complainant, to testify.
