By Canadian Press

Crown wants jail term for former clerk of the B.C. legislature for breach of trust

Jul 4, 2022 | 12:38 PM

VANCOUVER — The Crown is asking for a jail term for the former clerk of British Columbia’s legislature who was found guilty of fraud and breach of trust over expenses he claimed.

The conduct of Craig James was a “departure” by the most senior officer of the legislature, which Crown attorney Brock Martland told the court deserves “unequivocal denunciation.”

Martland says there are situations where conditional sentences are granted, and while they often “involve high dollar amounts,” they usually come with a guilty plea.

He says the Crown would like to see James jailed for a year or serve a term of house arrest. 

Defence lawyer Gavin Cameron told the judge that James has suffered enough as he asked for a conditional sentence, saying incarceration would be a “disproportionate response.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

8h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

8h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

16h ago

James, who is 71, was found guilty in May of fraud and breach of trust related to inappropriate personal expenses, including claiming a newly purchased suit and shirts as work attire.

He was found not guilty on three other counts, including one related to a $258,000 retirement benefit.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 4, 2022.

The Canadian Press