Senate expense scandal trial continues

By

OTTAWA (NEWS1130) – Wednesday marks day two of the trial of suspended Conservative Senator Mike Duffy.

He has plead not guilty to 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery, all to do with the senate expense scandal that broke last year.

Following riveting opening arguments on Tuesday from the defence and the prosecution, witness testimony will begin as we see a history of concerns about Duffy’s expenses.

The first witness to take the stand is a former law clerk of the senate, who will discuss all of the rules around residences and expenses for the upper chamber.  This will build the foundation for the Crown’s allegations that Duffy clearly broke the rules, but the defence will use the chance to prove its argument that the rules were vague and inadequate.

Senate leadership, close advisors to the prime minister and Duffy himself, are all expected to take the stand in the days and weeks ahead.

Yesterday, documents filed in court show a history of concerns with Duffy’s spending habits.  In some of his first claims back in 2009, administration questioned why he claimed a hotel stay in his home region of PEI.  The reason given for that is he likes to stay close to the airport for short visits.

There were also questions as to why he claimed nearly $140,000 in alcohol, however, that cash had to be reimbursed to the senate.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today