Preliminary inquiry on Frank Stronach sex assault charges set for spring in Toronto

A preliminary inquiry has been scheduled in billionaire businessman Frank Stronach’s Toronto sexual assault case to determine whether two of the charges against him should proceed to trial.

The inquiry has been set for five days next spring beginning April 11, ahead of a jury trial.

Earlier this year, Peel Regional Police charged Stronach with 18 counts, including sexual assault and indecent assault, involving 13 complainants across Ontario.

The founder of auto parts giant Magna is facing separate charges in York Region after the case was split into two proceedings earlier this year.

The preliminary inquiry in Toronto will hear evidence on two counts related to allegations dating back to the early 1980s.

The billionaire’s case was originally to be heard in Brampton, where a judge put a publication ban in place for the names of the 10 alleged victims of the Ontario billionaire businessman.

His granddaughter asked the court to order the family business to disclose any documents that might exist related to complaints of sexual misconduct against him and settlements involving complainants.

Stronach, 92, has denied all allegations against him.

He started Magna in his garage in 1957 and also founded The Stronach Group, a company that specializes in horse racing, and founded Stronach International in 2018, a company focusing on organic foods and “micro-electric mobility.”

Stronach resigned as Magna’s chairman in 2011 and founded his own political party in his home country of Austria the year after.

– With files from INsauga.com.