Crown appeals mistrial in Frank Stronach sex assault conviction

In a notice of appeal filed Tuesday, the Crown argues Molloy erred in relying on communications she presumed were subject to solicitor-client privilege without first determining whether there may be an exception to that privilege that would allow their use.

The Crown also argues the judge erred in saying she couldn’t resolve the credibility issues raised by the mistrial application.

It is asking the Ontario Court of Appeal to restore the guilty verdict on the sexual assault charge and send the case back to Superior Court for sentencing.

Shemesh said in an email Tuesday she is “incredibly disappointed” that the Crown is challenging a “highly discretionary order” by an experienced and respected judge.

“This appeal is a waste of precious court resources — considering the Crown can simply re-prosecute Mr. Stronach,” she said.

“It is hard not feel that this is more political than a legal question. In fact — it feels like a relentless ‘witch hunt’ that just won’t end.”

Stronach, who founded auto parts company Magna International, initially faced a dozen charges stemming from allegations between the late 1970s and 1990s and involving seven complainants.

By the time arguments in his trial wrapped in April, prosecutors had withdrawn one charge and agreed Stronach should be found not guilty on four more.

The judge then said she couldn’t convict him on two other charges based on the evidence of one of the complainants, whose account she found unreliable. That left Stronach with five charges related to three complainants before he was convicted on two of the counts.

He is set to be sentenced on the indecent assault conviction in September.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18, 2026.

Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Crown appeals mistrial in Frank Stronach sex assault conviction

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