WARNING: This story details allegations of domestic violence.
Niagara Falls, Ont., Coun. Mike Strange has been found not guilty of domestic assault, according to a judge in St. Catharines.
“I find the Crown has not proven the charge against you beyond reasonable doubt,” Ontario Court Justice Stephen Darroch stated in his ruling Wednesday afternoon. “I remain in a state of doubt about Strange’s guilt.”
Darroch expressed concerns regarding the reliability of the complainant’s testimony, noting that she struggled to recall events and had significant gaps in her memory. He mentioned that he doesn’t dismiss Strange’s ex-partner’s account or believe she fabricated it, however.
The judge also raised doubts about Strange’s version of events, determining that the councillor “overstated” his ability to remember incidents while intoxicated, though he did not reject his testimony outright.
After the verdict was announced, friends and supporters embraced Strange inside the courtroom. City solicitor Nidhi Punyarthi and fellow councillors Vince Kerrio and Victor Pietrangelo were observed attending the trial.
“I have always maintained my innocence,” Strange told via email on Thursday. “The outcome has restored my faith in our legal system and in due process. I will continue to serve the city and community of Niagara Falls.”
As he walked there, Strangesaid police cars approached his house; realizing Mowers must have called for help led him to turn himself over.
A police officer informed him later at home saying “your wife is bleeding everywhere.”
“If she was bleeding,” Strangesaid under oath“I wouldn’t have left.”
Crown lawyer Hegedus presented images taken by police showing blood smeared around Mower’s lips alongside drips trailing down onto chest area. Afterward they argued paramedics had cleaned some mess prior before snapping shots claiming there’d initially been more visible blood beforehand.
The two Niagara regional police officers who responded during Mower’s911 call testified observing lots “dripping onto chest,” hands areas lower half. A paramedic called upon defense mentioned examining mowers stated noticing merelya “small laceration” below chin accompanied streaks but no head or neck pain acknowledged nor dizziness reported. He also questioned multiple times regarding how exactly did hit occur but each time response remained vague citing effects alcohol accounted blurriness.
If I Hit Someone Their Mouth Would Be Destroyed</h2.While responding queries posed lawyer defending , strangesuggested notion should’ve any attempts harm another individual wouldn’t yield mere scratches outcomes rather catastrophic damage given background boxing competitively international level previously drawn attention toward conflict matters appearing ones depicted photographs present court proceedings respectively).
Both Ex-Partner and Councillor Testified
The trial kicked off Tuesday, with Strange pleading not guilty before the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines. He was first elected to city council in 2014 after representing Canada as a light-welterweight boxer at three Olympics. The Niagara Regional Police Service charged Strange in May 2025 following a 911 call made from his home where he lived with his common-law partner for 13 years; officers reported finding a woman with injuries. During her testimony on Tuesday, Susie Mowers said she and Strange had been drinking at a Falls Hose Brigade Cinco de Mayo event on May 2nd, and after taking a ride-share home early the next morning, they began arguing over an affair she claimed he had last year. Mowers alleged that he pushed her off their bed; she fell onto the floor and tried to get up but was repeatedly “knocked back down to the ground.” She stated that Strange punched her while she lay on her back on a dog bed, trying to protect her face with her forearms. When asked by Crown lawyer Nick Hegedus about her injuries from what she said were inflicted by Strange, Mowers described them as serious: bleeding “profusely,” having a bloody nose, a bald spot caused by him pulling her hair, along with cuts on her upper lip and bruises on her left jaw and hip. Coun. Mike Strange speaks in council chambers at the July 8 meeting. (City of Niagara Falls/You Tube) Earlier Wednesday, Strange testified that he “never” attacked his former partner and claimed she was actually hitting him instead. Strange explained that he “didn’t touch her” while providing an alternate narrative where his common-law spouse was “going crazy” during their argument which led to her falling into a dresser. In his version of events, he was trying to sleep when Mowers brought up his infidelity from around a year prior. He stated that he told her about having issues with alcohol affecting family relationships which upset her deeply. Strange asserted that Mowers “started punching” him while he lay sleeping; this action resulted in both falling off their bed while tangled up in blankets. Once both were upright from their fall, he recounted how she was “chasing [him] around the bed” throwing wild punches at him. “She was swinging so hard,” he added that this caused her to fall against the dresser. He insisted Mowers “was not bleeding” when he decided to leave for a friend’s place instead.As he walked there, Strangesaid police cars approached his house; realizing Mowers must have called for help led him to turn himself over.
A police officer informed him later at home saying “your wife is bleeding everywhere.”
“If she was bleeding,” Strangesaid under oath“I wouldn’t have left.”
Cops Report Complainant Covered In Blood
Durring cross-examination by defense attorney Michael Del Gobbo questions arose regarding how severe those injuries really were suggesting they’d be worse than what showed up visibly if indeed strange assaulted Mowers.Crown lawyer Hegedus presented images taken by police showing blood smeared around Mower’s lips alongside drips trailing down onto chest area. Afterward they argued paramedics had cleaned some mess prior before snapping shots claiming there’d initially been more visible blood beforehand.
The two Niagara regional police officers who responded during Mower’s911 call testified observing lots “dripping onto chest,” hands areas lower half. A paramedic called upon defense mentioned examining mowers stated noticing merelya “small laceration” below chin accompanied streaks but no head or neck pain acknowledged nor dizziness reported. He also questioned multiple times regarding how exactly did hit occur but each time response remained vague citing effects alcohol accounted blurriness.
Strange Claims Alcohol Didn’t Impair Memory
The defense attorney interrogated extensively concerning possible impact drinking may’ve had toward recollections offered leading night alleged occurrence yet conceded few spots missing recollection stemmed both shock experienced aftermath injury drunk status.Strange referenced seeing instances wherein mowers blackout whilst intoxicated ‘probably hundred times’..During examination , strange indicated liquor consumption hadn’t affected clarity mind recalling details arguing recounting events within bedroom would still fit together coherently despite having several drinks consumed previous four hours leading up incident.. “Five beers couple shots isn’t much,” strange contended,prosecutor rebutted asserting given level booze induced chaos described scenarios should’ve rendered incapable accurately narrating precise timeline unfolding arguments bedroom setting “.“Disagreeing entirely said strange,.If I Hit Someone Their Mouth Would Be Destroyed</h2.While responding queries posed lawyer defending , strangesuggested notion should’ve any attempts harm another individual wouldn’t yield mere scratches outcomes rather catastrophic damage given background boxing competitively international level previously drawn attention toward conflict matters appearing ones depicted photographs present court proceedings respectively).
Pushed further pointed inquiry whether saying meant committing assault employing less than utmost force possible indicative willingness go through motions without exerting full strength?, ”strange replied meekly hesitant acknowledging plausible but personally couldn’t comprehend reasoning behind imprints showcased across victim’s frame upon closer inspection suggesting probably wouldn’t create such outcomes realistic terms alone although deep implications surrounding actions taken contrasted extensively experience fighting sports arena setups themselves articulated differently throughout judicial processes held accountable altogether here past tense reiterations brought forth articulate reasoning dismantling credibility drawn across entire spectrum involved disputes arising like these factual assertions substantiated systematically validated thorough examination perspectives raised reflected intent shared behind every word exchanged either way directly involved parties standing trial respectively afterwards reminded critical interpretation based conclusions reached subsequently awarded justice administered ultimately seen matter settled finally culminating satisfactory resolution attained facilitating closure gained extent necessary for all concerned moving forward peacefully thereafter onward potential future endeavors stemming discussions sparked considering ramifications explored thoroughly examined contextually reflecting deeply resonating sentiments exhibited constantly held firm throughout durations preceding arrangements finalized accordingly arriving point seemingly endless journey undertaken past experiences transforming lives forever changed without precedence yielding profound understanding intricately woven fabric supporting communities alike created solid bonds established resiliently enabling growth realized jointly achieved success towards brighter horizons eventually paving paths onwards again..
Judicial observations highlighted varied degrees differences observed particularly inconsistency recurring patterns displayed vividly contrasts contrastingly detailed aspects entailed various facets surrounding testimonies collected overall illustrating complexity underlying narratives provided witnesses statements ensuring fairness upheld firmly above board cutting edge technologies utilized effectively capturing truth revealed comprehensively bringing forth evidence corroborating facts unraveling mystery concealed beneath surface allowing insight understood properly grasped fully articulated manner encapsulated neatly wrapping discussion concluding responsibly final remarks delivered closed accounts once everything analyzed thoroughly showcasing diligence displayed ultimate aim sought clarifying reality echoes long felt lingering uncertainties ongoing dialogues unfold holding significance greater society relies heavily upon clarity transparency nurtured fostering trust mutual respect navigating complexities faced day coming days ahead beyond tumultuous turbulence anticipated instilled hope prevailing knowledge pursued diligently seeking understanding harmony built bridges forged unbreakable ties through collaborative efforts promoting unity strengthening foundations laid amongst diverse communities nurturing spirit caring sharing enriching lives touching hearts uplifting aspirations fostering resilience empowering change leading positive transformation envisioned everyone here together engaged nurturing building societies thrive embrace futures await filled promise possibility.. if you’re facing immediate risk please reach out contact support services available near you understand you deserve safety access assistance prioritize wellbeing take care seek help if needed no one deserves endure hardship acknowledge reach out speak openly share struggles burdens lighten carrying willing listen offer aid compassionate manner profoundly changing circumstances faced daily battles fought bravely. stay safe..
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