One of the biggest expense scandals in British Columbia political history is coming to an end as a court hears sentencing recommendations for the former secretary of the legislature.
The Crown attorney revealed Monday that he is seeking a suspended sentence — jail time served at home instead of behind bars — of about a year for Craig James. His argument is that the sentence will act as a “deterrent” to future public servants.
The Crown proposed that the majority of that sentence be served under house arrest, with the remainder under curfew.
Also seeks an order for restitution in the amount of $1,886.72.
The defense is asking for parole.
Earlier this year, a British Columbia Supreme Court judge ruled that James spent taxpayer dollars on personal expenses during his time as a high-ranking public official.
He was found guilty of breach of trust and fraud in May.
The judge said he breached the standard of conduct expected of him when he claimed expenses for $1,800 worth of shirts, ties and suits, which he claimed were chamber wear. A number of other items, such as purchases from souvenir shops and alcohol, were also included in the expenses, but the judge found that they may have been gifts or legitimate business expenses.
James was acquitted of three other charges, including one related to a $258,000 pension benefit.
He was suspended and suspended with pay in 2018, then resigned the following year while the investigation into his conduct was still ongoing.
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