The accused pleaded guilty to theft over $5,000, having stolen $86,234 from Grace United Church in Caledonia over a four-year period (2009-2012) while serving as Treasurer of Mission and Service Funds.
The Crown sought imprisonment of six to nine months, while defence counsel sought a conditional sentence.
The court rejected the conditional sentence, finding that denunciation and general deterrence were the primary sentencing principles applicable to this breach of trust involving repeated theft and fabricated financial reports.
The court imposed six months imprisonment followed by three years probation with conditions including financial counselling and restrictions on employment involving positions of trust with financial matters.
A stand-alone restitution order of $86,234 was made in favour of the Church.
