Stronach trial delayed 3 months

Defence awaiting full disclosure package from prosecution

- JASON MILLER AND WENDY GILLIS

The case of billionaire businessman Frank Stronach, who is accused of sexual offences against multiple victims in alleged assaults spanning nearly 50 years, was adjourned for three months after a brief hearing in a Brampton court Monday morning.

Stronach did not appear in person, but defence lawyer Christopher Lutes, who appeared via Zoom on behalf of Stronach’s legal team, asked for the matter to be adjourned while the defence awaits a full disclosure package from the prosecution.

Crown Attorney Alexandra Berg said the prosecutor is on the cusp of providing the first wave of disclosure, outlining the allegations against Stronach to his defence team, with another tranche of evidentiary details to follow shortly after.

Berg said “the first wave of disclosure, which was comprehensive” and included video statements, officer notes and surveillance linked to the first three complainants, has been received and reviewed by the Crown’s office and “it will be disclosed to counsel imminently.”

She said the second wave of disclosure, which related to the more recent complainants, was received very recently. The Crown is “in the process of readying that for disclosure as well,” Berg said while appearing for the provincial Crown via Zoom video.

The case, which was heard before a justice of the peace inside assignment court in Brampton, was adjourned until Oct. 7, when defence and Crown counsel are expected to take next steps.