Assault Trial of Niagara Falls Councillor Mike Strange Begins

WARNING: This story details allegations of domestic violence.

The former partner of Niagara Falls, Ont., Councillor Mike Strange took the stand on Tuesday during his domestic assault trial, detailing the injuries she claims to have sustained at their home in May 2025.

The two-day trial commenced in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines, with Strange entering a plea of not guilty. He first became a city councillor in 2014 after representing Canada as a light-welterweight boxer at three Olympic Games.

His ex-common-law partner, Susie Mowers, was called to testify by Crown lawyer Nick Hegedus.

Strange faced charges last year after officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service responded to an emergency call made from his residence and found a woman with visible injuries.

The couple had been together for 13 years prior to this incident.

Mowers testified that on May 2, they attended a Cinco de Mayo event hosted by the Falls Hose Brigade and argued about an affair she alleged he had the previous year after taking a ride-share home early the next morning.

Mowers claimed he pushed her off their bed, causing her to fall onto the floor. She attempted to get up but said she was repeatedly “knocked back down to the ground.”

She described how Strange punched her while she lay on her back on a dog bed, using her forearms to protect her face.

“I remember thinking, ‘This time, he’s going to kill me.'”

She said she was left bleeding “profusely,” and noted that her dark blue basketball shorts were “drenched in blood.” She also mentioned having a bloody nose, a bald spot caused by him pulling her hair, a cut on her upper lip, and bruises on her left jaw and hip.

Crown shows court photo evidence

Hegedus presented police photos showing Mowers with blood around her lips and streaks down her chin. The court also viewed images depicting what appeared to be drops of blood smeared across Mowers’s and Strange’s bed. Mowers identified the blood as hers.

Other photographs taken about a week after police responded showed Mowers with a bald spot on her head along with clumps of hair found on the bedroom floor.

Defence lawyer Michael Del Gobbo questioned Mowers regarding how she looked in those photographs.

“This Olympic boxer was punching on you and the extent of your injuries are something under your chin,” he said incredulously.

Mowers replied that she was bloodier before these photos were taken because paramedics had cleaned her up.

The Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in downtown St. Catharines is where Strange’s trial is being held. (Diona Macalinga/CBC)

1st responders offer differing accounts of injuries

Latterly on Tuesday, two officers from Niagara regional police-Constables Skyla Read and Michael Marynuik-testified about their response to Mowers’s 911 call. Both stated they found Mowers with “blood dripping onto her chest,” hands, and parts of her lower body.

Marynuik noted he arrested Strange just a block away from his residence while describing him as “visually impaired by alcohol” due to signs like “slurred speech” and “glossed eyes.”

The officer did not mention whether it appeared that Mowers had been drinking or not.

A paramedic named Derek Causarano testified for the defence regarding the 911 call; he reported seeing only “a small laceration” under Mowers’s chin along with some streaking blood.

Causarano explained that Mowers denied experiencing any head or neck pain during assessment; she could turn both freely without dizziness. The paramedic shared that when he asked how she’d been hit multiple times, she replied that she couldn’t recall since she’d been drinking.

Defence questions woman’s memory

Diving into cross-examination led by Del Gobbo for Strange’s defence team included questioning Mowers’ memory concerning events leading up to the altercation which involved uncertainty over how it all began or if she’d struck him first.

Del Gobbo read parts from transcripts relating to both an ambulance report indicating “the patient reports she does not remember specifically how she was assaulted due to intoxication.”

Mowers clarified difficulties recalling everything stemmed partly from having sustained concussion effects while feeling impaired both through alcohol consumption as well as trauma endured during events recounted.

No instances documenting concussions nor serious head traumas appeared within EMS records according claimed by defense counsel presented further alternative scenarios regarding occurrence.

Said scenario suggested frustration arose related toward infidelity allegations ensuing arguments ignited following derogatory remarks concerning perceived drinking issues resulting ultimately leading towards physical clash alongside falling into furniture inadvertently.

“I’m going suggest you were actually assaulting him,” Del Gobbo asserted whilst branding accusations being retaliatory attempts aimed solely damaging reputation counterarguments put forth promptly met stubborn denials made asserting truthfulness persisted unwaveringly stating ,“I’m not lying.”

Advocates seek leave for councillors facing charges

Dramatically throughout proceedings thus far remained conscious that despite ongoing criminal matters arising surrounding Mike Strange – retains council position intact prompting considerable discourse occurring chambers particularly emphasized upon June occasion wherein advocates primarily composed female members advocated requesting statements addressing council directly regarding accountability measures tied strictly onto municipal frameworks aiming warrant attention directed towards cases involving similar situations requiring provisions ensuring immediate leaves without pay until resolved judicially upheld within legal confines established norms governing conduct standards applied uniformly across boards elected representatives hold positions pertinent community welfare interests sought protection ensure integrity respected areas public service roles held accountable maintain dignity expectation adhering ethical guidelines expected fulfill duties properly mandated responsibility undertaken representation role embraced faithfully standing behind constituents served diligently safeguarding welfare best interests citizens represented sincerely upheld maintaining trustworthiness overall atmosphere promoting transparency actively pursuing improvement strategies enhancing awareness concerns highlighted preventing further occurrences arising dictated need progress against violence exacerbated societal issues faced communities today universally acknowledged played significant impact collectively witnessed nationwide efforts champion equality rights advocating change positive direction seeing cultural shifts enhance environments supporting survivors seeking justice deservedly entitled receive prompt assistance available options outlined routes pursued legally avenues explored adequately promote safety prioritizing values central importance fostering healthy atmospheres free oppression increase understanding navigate obstacles surrounding complexities dealing sensitive subjects echoed resonated strongly amongst advocates rallied vehemently calling reforms action plans bringing systematic changes toward healthier societies built foundations mutual respect cooperation communication initiatives undertaken collaboratively bridging gaps foster connections strengthen bonds ensure necessary dialogues facilitate healing processes transform narratives shift conversations building awareness toward embracing hopeful futures set empowering each other drive transformation forward cohesive manner paving way brighter outlook ahead navigating challenges lie streets still filled struggles where potentials flourish encompassing actions needed rectify harm done past pave roads solidarity growth engage meaningful discussions thrive shared experiences empower unite efforts directing positive movements seen arise communities willing rise address deeply rooted issues affecting families individuals alike fight fight granted justice provided systems help end suffering cycle perpetuated consequences act ignorance neglect rather than embrace responsibility show humanity existence recognize interconnectedness leading path restoration trust evolving societies acknowledge strength gained solidarity resolve drawn resilience striving continue encourage uplift lives allow space fosters healing generate motivation spark connection spirit hope prevails instead succumb despair leads darkness where change yet remains possible tomorrow always carries promise hold better days ahead waiting unfold slowly gradually tending wounds inflicted bearing witness hearts finding solace overcoming hurdles presented world presents us even amidst trials tribulations may occur journey live one day fruitful existence worth pursuing dedicated striving achieve goals set forth vision envision future shines brightly holding dreams fulfill theirs henceforth reclaiming power lost restoring dignity invaluable precious lives matter rest assured every effort contributes cultivating brighter dawn awaiting realization potential unyieldingly approach horizons boundless possibilities await journeys yet embark countless aspiring souls yearning reach heights soar limitless realms beyond horizons stretch across spans infinite leaving indelible mark memories cherish providing faith guiding steps forward..

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