Crown seeking jail sentence, but open to house arrest for former B.C. clerk of the legislature

One of the biggest spending scandals in the history of B.C. politics is nearing its conclusion as a court hears sentencing recommendations for the former clerk of the legislature.

One of the biggest spending scandals in the history of B.C. politics is nearing its conclusion as a court hears sentencing recommendations for the former clerk of the legislature.

Crown counsel revealed Monday that it seeks a conditional sentence – a jail sentence served at home instead of behind bars – of about a year for Craig James. Its argument is that the sentence would serve as a "deterrent" for future officials entrusted to the public.

The Crown suggested the majority of that sentence would be served under house arrest, and the rest would be under a curfew.

It's also seeking a $1,886.72 restitution order.

The defence is seeking a conditional discharge.

Earlier this year, a B.C. 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.