The Crown attorney revealed Monday that he is seeking a prison sentence to be served at home instead of behind bars – about a year for Craig James. Her argument is that the sentence would serve as a “deterrent” to future public officials. The Crown proposed that the majority of that sentence be served under house arrest and the remainder subject to a curfew. It also seeks a refund order of $1,886.72. Lawyer Brock Martland said the now 71-year-old’s behavior was a “departure” from the legislature’s most senior official and that there were “real risks of undermining public trust” associated with the case. He said the sentence could increase public cynicism about the institutions of government and noted that James did not plead guilty, contrary to what is often seen in cases where suspended sentences are imposed. The defense is seeking a conditional discharge, with barrister Gavin Cameron arguing that jail would be a “disproportionate response” to the conviction. He pushed for 12 months of probation and 150 hours of community service, saying James has already been “tried and convicted in the court of public opinion.” “His reputation was destroyed in an instant and will never be recovered,” she said, asking the judge to consider the stigma James faced before his trial because of the public nature of his case. Cameron said this would serve as a greater deterrent to other public officials than imprisonment. He also urged the judge to take into account James’ age and that he is a first-time offender who has lost his job and his reputation. Earlier this year, a BC Supreme Court Justice ruled that James spent taxpayer dollars on personal expenses during his tenure as a high-ranking public official. He was found guilty of breach of trust and fraud in May. The judge said he breached the standard of behavior expected of him when he claimed expenses for shirts, a tie and a suit worth $1,800, which he claimed were room attire. Several other items, such as gift shop purchases and alcohol, were also expensed, but the judge found they were likely to be gifts or legitimate work costs. James was cleared of three other charges, including one involving a $258,000 retirement benefit. He was removed from office and suspended with pay in 2018, then resigned the following year while the investigation into his conduct was still ongoing. With files from The Canadian Press