Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Mar, 2022 01:30 PM
VANCOUVER - A special prosecutor says British Columbia's former clerk of the legislative assembly used public funds to enrich himself in "glaring and egregious" ways.
Brock Martland made the allegation as he began closing arguments in the Crown's case against Craig James, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud over $5,000 and three counts of breach of trust.
James's defence is expected to present its case Wednesday.
Martland says that as the most senior officer of the legislature, James held a position akin to the CEO and was responsible for financial stewardship of the institution.
He accused James of acting outside of his duties by picking up a wood splitter and trailer for the legislature and storing them at home for a year, exploiting a weakness in the system to award himself a $258,000 retirement benefit and charging souvenirs to the public purse.
Martland says public trust in government officials is a critical part of a functioning democracy, and he alleged that James violated that trust.
"This case is about trust, specifically the public trust that we place in government officials," Martland told the court on Tuesday.
"Our position is that the public trust was violated repeatedly and extensively by Craig James."
An employee working at the mall witnessed a man approach a woman from behind and grope her buttocks on August 27 around 5 p.m. The suspect then fled and mall security followed him while calling 911. Police were able to locate the suspect on a bus near Hastings and Abbott streets.
Right in time for the new school year, more than 8,600 students will be returning to safer and modernized classrooms at 16 new or improved schools throughout the province. The Government of B.C. has invested almost $353 million in these schools.
On Wednesday, at around 4:00 p.m., Burnaby RCMP located and arrested a 15-year-old boy who police believe to have committed these attacks. He was taken into custody as he departed a SkyTrain station.
Surrey RCMP is updating the public that the 40-year old man reported missing August 31, 2021, was located deceased. On September 5, 2021, the missing male was located deceased. Criminality does not appear to be a factor in his death and the investigation has been turned over to BC Coroners Service.
Emergency Management BC says residents of another 3,900 properties that were on evacuation alert, meaning they should be ready to leave on short notice, decreased by about 2,150 on Wednesday night from the day before.
Ugester Prashad, 52, of Brampton, has been charged with two counts of Invitation to Sexual Touching and he is scheduled to appear in court at 2201 Finch Avenue West on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 2 p.m.
