OTTAWA – Patrick Brazeau’s lawyer said he expects his client’s fraud case will explore the notions of Senate residency and calls it a “very complex” legal issue.
Christian Deslauriers appeared in an Ottawa court on Brazeau’s behalf Monday, the first time the suspended senator was to face fraud and breach of trust charges.
“I expect this case to be quite voluminous and complex,” he said.
Brazeau did not appear in court and the case was put over until April 28.
“The nature of the case, the scope of the case, the fact that it’s covered by the media makes it maybe more complicated,” Deslauriers said outside the court.
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“Permanent residence, secondary residence are notions that will have to be explored. And these notions in law are very complex issues.”
Deslauriers said he hadn’t spoken to Brazeau on Monday, and refused to answer questions about how his client is paying him. He said he is not working pro bono and legal aid is not involved.
“My client, I mean, has to face the reality, and the reality is that he’s being charged,” Deslauriers said.
Brazeau and retired senator Mac Harb are accused of defrauding the Senate of more than $5,000 in relation to their Senate living expenses.
Deslauriers is working alongside two lawyers who are also representing Brazeau on separate charges of assault and sexual assault regarding an incident that occurred last February in Gatineau, Que.
Deslauriers added he is surprised the provincial Crown is handling Brazeau’s fraud case.
“I don’t expect any other charges to be laid, but surprise, surprise, we cannot know in advance what’s going to happen,” he said.
Harb is set to appear in court to face fraud and breach of trust charges on Tuesday. Harb’s lawyer said he does not expect the former senator to be there.
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