Ex-MP Del Mastro makes tearful plea to court, but shows no remorse
Ex-MP Del Mastro makes tearful plea to court, but shows no remorse
Dean Del Mastro choked back tears and had to compose himself in an Ontario court Tuesday as he described the "nationwide condemnation" he's had to endure as his election overspending trial wound its way through the legal system. The former Conservative MP — who was found guilty last fall of violating the Canada Elections Act — made an emotional speech at his sentencing hearing before a judge retired to decide whether to send him to jail or not. Del Mastro — once Prime Minister Stephen Harper's point man defending the Tories against allegations of electoral fraud — was found guilty last fall of exceeding spending limits, failing to report a personal contribution of $21,000 to his own campaign and knowingly submitting a falsified document during the 2008 federal election. He maintained his innocence throughout his legal proceedings, even calling the verdict in his case just the judge's opinion.
There are some who would appreciate an opportunity to hold a public stoning in the town square. It's my hope that the significant consequences that I have endured and shared will be considered in your deliberations.
While he emphasized his respect for the court in his statement, Del Mastro did not appear to express any apology or regret. He did, however, make it clear that his legal saga has been a burden. Del Mastro faces a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine on each of the three offences. His lawyer has asked for a conditional discharge or, at most, a fine. Crown prosecutors, however, want a sentence of nine to 12 months in jail, saying only imprisonment will truly drive home the gravity of Del Mastro's offences.
He's suffered as a direct result of his own conduct.
Crown prosecutor, to Justice Lisa Cameron