DISGRACED multimillionaire Peter Nygard went on trial in Toronto yesterday accused of using his power and status as a wealthy fashion designer to sexually assault five young women in allegations spanning decades.

Nygard, the 82-year-old founder of one of Canada’s largest clothing brands, Nygard International, has pleaded not guilty to five charges of sexual assault and one of forcible confinement in the trial – the first of several he faces in Canada and the United States.