Niagara Falls, Ontario, Councilor Mike Strange’s former partner gave testimony on Tuesday in the domestic assault trial of the former Olympian, detailing the injuries she allegedly sustained at their residence in May 2025. The trial commenced at the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines, with Strange entering a not guilty plea. Strange, a former light-welterweight boxer who represented Canada in three Olympics before being elected to city council in 2014, faced charges following a police response to a call at his residence where a woman with injuries, identified as Susie Mowers, was found.
Mowers, who was in a common-law relationship with Strange for 13 years, recounted an incident that occurred after they attended a Falls Hose Brigade Cinco de Mayo event and had a ride-share home. The argument ensued over an alleged affair of Strange’s from the previous year, leading to a physical altercation where Mowers claimed Strange pushed her off the bed, causing her to fall to the ground and repeatedly strike her while she was lying down.
Testifying in court, Mowers described the injuries she sustained, including profuse bleeding, a bloody nose, a bald spot on her head, a gash on her upper lip, and bruises on her jaw and hip. The Crown presented photo evidence showing blood on Mowers and Strange’s bed, as well as injuries on Mowers, including a bald patch on her head.
During the trial, two Niagara regional police officers testified to finding Mowers with blood on her chest and hands, while arresting Strange, who appeared visibly impaired by alcohol. The EMS paramedic who responded to the 911 call described Mowers as having a small laceration under her chin. The defence questioned Mowers’ recollection of events, pointing to her reported intoxication and memory lapses.
Amid the legal proceedings, advocacy groups have called for changes in the Municipal Accountability Act to mandate paid leave for councillors facing assault charges until their cases are resolved. Strange’s actions and responses, including an email inviting supporters to occupy council chambers, have sparked controversy, with a subsequent integrity commissioner report finding no breach of the city’s code of conduct.
The trial is ongoing, with plans for Strange to testify in his defense. The case continues to unfold as more witnesses are expected to be called.