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Duffy defence raises Radwanski case

Suspended senator Mike Duffy arrives at court in Ottawa on Monday, April 27, 2015. s .
Suspended senator Mike Duffy arrives at court in Ottawa on Monday, April 27, 2015. s . Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Pres

OTTAWA – Sen. Mike Duffy’s defence lawyer is harkening back to a similar fraud and breach of trust case involving expenses and a public figure, the late privacy commissioner George Radwanski.

Justice Charles Vaillancourt is listening to arguments over whether a particular Senate committee report should be regarded as factual evidence during the course of the trial.

Defence attorney Donald Bayne wrapped up his arguments on this front by offering a glimpse of some of the case law he intends on using to help Duffy during the trial.

READ MORE: Duffy told Senate he already owned Ottawa home, court hears

He noted the 2009 decision to acquit Radwanski in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Radwanski’s charges related to a $15,000 travel advance given to him while on the job at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

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In that case, Ontario Justice Paul Belanger said that while Radwanski displayed a cavalier attitude towards managing his expenses, his office was in a state of administrative and financial disorganization and there was insufficient proof of corrupt intent.

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