Lady information lawsuit in opposition to Frank Stronach, Magna

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Billionaire businessman Frank Stronach, who’s awaiting trial on greater than a dozen costs associated to sexual assault, is now additionally dealing with a civil lawsuit from a girl who alleges he sexually assaulted her a long time in the past when she was a scholar sponsored by Magna, the auto components firm he based.

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In a press release of declare filed in June, Jane Boon alleges Stronach sexually assaulted her at an organization visitor home in December 1986 after plying her with alcohol throughout a company celebration at a Toronto restaurant he owned.

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She additionally alleges Magna knew Stronach, who was the corporate’s controlling shareholder and director on the time, posed a danger to feminine college students receiving sponsorship and took no steps to warn or shield her or others like her.

The allegations haven’t been examined in courtroom and neither Stronach nor Magna have filed a press release of defence presently.

Stronach’s civil lawyer, Sarit Batner, says he “strenuously denies the allegations and can vigorously defend this lawsuit.” Magna declined to remark, citing the continuing authorized declare.

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The 92-year-old tycoon was charged final yr with 18 counts _ together with sexual assault and indecent assault — associated to 13 complainants, with some allegations courting again to the Nineteen Seventies.

He’s anticipated to face trial on 12 of the counts in Toronto early subsequent yr, and has pleaded not responsible in that case. One other trial is ready to happen later in Newmarket on the remaining counts.

Stronach has denied all allegations in opposition to him.

Boon will not be among the many complainants within the prison circumstances, none of whom might be recognized because of a typical publication ban.

Boon alleges within the lawsuit that she was sexually assaulted by Stronach after attending Magna’s annual shareholder assembly in December 1986, adopted by a company after-party that night at a Toronto restaurant he owned.

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She claims Stronach seated her subsequent to him on the dinner desk, the place the restaurant’s maitre d’ topped up wine glasses “continuously,” and he pulled her onto the dance flooring at one level.

The lawsuit says Boon, who was working in Guelph, Ont., on the time, declined a proposal to remain on the company visitor home that evening.

However when Stronach’s driver came to visit to the desk after dessert, Boon alleges Stronach introduced: “Jane has had an excessive amount of to drink. She will’t return to Guelph. I’ll drive her to the visitor home and you may take her automobile.”

The lawsuit claims an “incredulous and unsure” Boon left with Stronach, nervous about her future and what would occur if she rebuffed him.

Stronach took her to the visitor home north of Toronto, the place he undressed her and had unprotected intercourse along with her with out consent, the lawsuit alleges.

“The sexual abuse and misconduct by Stronach has had vital ongoing adverse penalties on Boon’s life,” the declare says.

— With information from Sonja Puzic.

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