Crown wants to impose a sentence on a former Clerk of the BC Legislature in order to prevent a breach of trust

Craig James, former clerk of the British Columbia legislature, leaves B.C. Supreme Court during a break from his trial in Vancouver, on Jan. 26, 2022. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

The Crown has asked for a sentence for the ex-clerk of British Columbia’s legislature, who was found guilty in fraud and breaching trust for expenses 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 states that there are cases where conditional sentences can be granted. Although they may involve high dollar amounts, they are usually accompanied by a guilty plea.

He claims that the Crown wants James to be imprisoned for one year or placed under house arrest.

Gavin Cameron, a defense lawyer for James, told the judge that James had suffered enough and asked for a conditional sentence. He said that incarceration would have a “disproportionate response .”

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.