Frank Stronach Trial: Prosecution Wraps Evidence

In Toronto, the sexual assault trial of billionaire businessman Frank Stronach entered a critical phase as prosecutors concluded their presentation of evidence on Wednesday, paving the way for legal arguments and the defense case next week. Stronach, the founder of auto parts giant Magna International, faces 10 remaining charges involving seven complainants, stemming from alleged incidents dating back to the 1970s. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice heard initial legal discussions Thursday morning before defense lawyer Leora Shemesh began cross-examining the final complainant, a woman in her late 60s. She testified earlier this week that she met Stronach in the early 1980s at Rooney's, a restaurant and nightlife venue he owned at the time. According to her account, the encounter led to a dinner date at a waterfront restaurant, after which Stronach invited her to his nearby condo in a connected building. There, she alleged, he pinned her down on a cot, leaving her unable to resist his advances.

During cross-examination, Shemesh questioned the woman about the lawyers she consulted prior to reporting the incident to police, probing the...