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Artwork, books on display at former B.C. Legislature clerk's corruption trial

Special prosecutors have submitted photos to B.C. Supreme Court of items they allege were bought with public funds by ex-legislature clerk Craig James for personal use
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A photo of the political satire book Yes Minister purchased by Craig James, then clerk of the Legislative Assembly of B.C., during travel junkets. It's alleged many items were paid for with public funds but used for personal reasons

A political satire book and artwork of the Magna Carta were submitted as photographic evidence in the government corruption trial of former B.C. legislative clerk Craig James in court Tuesday.

James faces three counts of breach of trust and two counts of fraud in B.C. Supreme Court following his police-escorted departure from the legislature in November 2018.

James was in charge of financial oversight and procedural policies at the legislature, where he was the chief executive officer when he was accused of using his position of prestige and power by allegedly purchasing several items for personal use and/or beyond the scope of expense allowances.

On Tuesday, special prosecutors Brock Martland and David Butcher submitted photos of various items allegedly purchased by James while on travel junkets for parliamentary conferences from several American state capitals to London, England. Included in the photo evidence was luggage, several books, monarchy souvenirs, artwork, clothing, cuff links and an infamous wood splitter.

He pleaded not guilty to all counts on Jan. 24.

The trial could last six weeks. His defence has yet to speak to Associate Chief Justice Heather J. Holmes as the prosecutors continue to lay out the evidence.

The trial continues.

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