Judge declares mistrial in Frank Stronach sexual assault case

A Canadian judge has declared a mistrial in the sexual assault conviction of businessman Frank Stronach, according to his lawyer. The ruling came unexpectedly ahead of a scheduled sentencing hearing in September. Stronach, a billionaire and founder of auto parts giant Magna International, was convicted last month on a charge related to a historic assault allegation. The mistrial applies to that specific conviction, though further details about the judge’s reasoning have not been released. The case has drawn significant attention due to Stronach’s prominent status in Canadian business and politics. The mistrial means the conviction is set aside, and the legal process will continue. No new trial date has been announced. The allegations date back several decades. Stronach has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The court has not commented on the next steps. The decision is a rare legal move in a high-profile case. Observers are awaiting further developments.