A CBC article about the judge's condemnation of former PM Harper's staff:
'Mind-boggling': Mike Duffy cleared on all charges as judge slams Harper PMO - Politics - CBC News
Justice Charles Vaillancourt has dismissed every charge related to Mike Duffy's residency, travel claims and expense contracting. The Crown has failed to get a single conviction for fraud, breach of trust or bribery.
■Decision day for Mike Duffy: Judge dismisses every charge
The judge wrapped up his 308-page decision by making it abundantly clear the Crown failed to make its case on the bribery charges related to the $90,000 cheque from Harper's former chief of staff, Nigel Wright.
The actions of Harper's staff got a colourful condemnation from the bench. "'Could Hollywood match their deviousness?" the judge asked. "It is interesting that no one suggested doing the legal thing."
Vaillancourt called the senator a "credible witness" whose conduct was "reasonable and honest," acting on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's office. In the absence of clear Senate rules, "the only evidence is exculpatory," the judge said.
Duffy's travel claims had no financial motive, "no sinister motive" and "no criminal intent," the judge said.
The senator's contract arrangement with friend Gerald Donohue to pay for things like speech writing and make-up services was not akin to a slush fund, the judge continued after a lunch break. There was no evidence of kickbacks or phoney invoices and it was not an attempt to skirt Senate oversight, the judge found. Duffy acted "in good fait
You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
The banners on the left side and below do not show for registered users!
