With a federal election, a change of government, a new cabinet and a major terror attack all jammed into the last month, it may seem like the Mike Duffy trial happened a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.
But the legal brouhaha surrounding the former Conservative senator is expected to kick into high gear again this week, with his trial resuming at the Ottawa courthouse on Thursday morning.
Here’s a look at where we left off, and where the proceedings might be headed in the coming weeks.
What’s this all about, again?
Duffy, who was named a senator from Prince Edward Island in 2008, has pleaded not guilty to 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery stemming from his Senate travel, living and office expenses. Among other things, he claimed living expenses for what was actually his long-time primary residence in Ottawa, a move the RCMP allege was criminal. When questions surrounding those expenses began to surface in 2012, the senator alleges a “dirty plot” was hatched in the Prime Minister’s Office to try to stop a potential scandal in its tracks.
Even though he maintained he hadn’t broken any rules, Duffy provided $90,172.24 via cheque to the Senate to pay back the housing expenses on the advice of the prime minister.
But his own RBC bank account was credited $90,172.24 the same day. That payment allegedly came directly from former prime minister Stephen Harper’s then-chief of staff, Nigel Wright. Harper has denied any knowledge of the transaction.
WATCH: Mike Duffy arrived at an Ontario court Thursday as his trial resumes. He did not answer questions as he entered the building.
Where did the trial leave off?
The last witness to take the stand in August was Chris Woodcock, a former director of issues management in the PMO. Woodcock was asked about how he participated in efforts to keep Duffy from speaking to the media while the plan to reimburse his expenses was being formulated. Woodcock confirmed that the PMO had to persuade Duffy to repay the expenses because the senator was reluctant to do so.
During his own testimony, Nigel Wright maintained under oath that Harper was never informed of the payment made to Duffy’s account.
Duffy’s defence lawyer, Donald Bayne, is trying to convince the judge that the senator didn’t take a bribe from Wright, but rather was strong-armed into repaying expenses that were embarrassing for the government, but not necessarily ill-claimed.
Why did the trial stop?
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The five weeks of hearings starting on Thursday were always scheduled to take place beginning in November. But the break between the summer session and this one ended up being longer than anticipated because Crown witness Gerald Donohue had health issues that prevented him from taking the stand. Ontario Court Justice Charles Vaillancourt, who is presiding over the trial, agreed to suspend things earlier than planned on Aug. 25.
What’s next?
Starting Thursday, Crown prosecutors are expected to conclude the submission of their evidence over roughly a week. Among their final witnesses will be Donohue, who will likely be asked about contracts totalling $65,000 that two of his companies received from Duffy’s Senate budget. The contracts were allegedly for non-Senate services such as a personal trainer.
After the Crown is finished, the defence will begin presenting its case. It is at that stage that Duffy himself is expected to take the stand.
Click here to read all of Global News’ coverage of the Mike Duffy trial.
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