Billionaire businessman Frank Stronach, who is awaiting trial on more than a dozen charges related to sexual assault, is now also facing a civil lawsuit from a woman who alleges he sexually assaulted her decades ago when she was a student sponsored by Magna, the auto parts company he founded.
In a statement of claim filed in June, Jane Boon alleges Stronach sexually assaulted her at a company guest house in December 1986 after plying her with alcohol during a corporate party at a Toronto restaurant he owned.
She also alleges Magna knew Stronach, who was the company’s controlling shareholder and director at the time, posed a risk to female students receiving sponsorship and took no steps to warn or protect her or others like her.
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The allegations have not been tested in court and neither Stronach nor Magna have filed a statement of defence at this time.
Stronach’s civil lawyer, Sarit Batner, says he “strenuously denies the allegations and will vigorously defend this lawsuit.” Magna declined to comment, citing the ongoing legal claim.
The 92-year-old tycoon was charged last year with 18 counts – including sexual assault and indecent assault – related to 13 complainants, with some allegations dating back to the 1970s.
He’s expected to face trial on 12 of the counts in Toronto early next year, and has pleaded not guilty in that case. Another trial is set to take place later in Newmarket on the remaining counts.
Stronach has denied all allegations against him.
Boon is not among the complainants in the criminal cases, none of whom can be identified due to a standard publication ban.
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