A jailed magistrate, who has been found guilty of fraudulently obtaining funds for a property investment scheme, has continued to receive his salary whilst incarcerated, the BBC reported.
The Jersey government has attempted to stop Ian Christmas receiving his salary, but according to the reports Chief Minister Senator Ian Gorst believes that the £500,000 he has earned since his arrest, some four years ago, is unlikely to be reclaimed.
The Royal Court has now found Ian Christmas guilty of defrauding an investor out of £100,000 and subsequently sentenced to 15 months in prison, using the money he used to pay off debts.
Christmas has said that he is currently appealing the decision.
B&C previously reported his involvement in the fraud in June.
Despite not carrying out his role as a magistrate since his arrest in 2008, he has remained in office because a magistrate can only be dismissed by order of the Queen.
The reports further stated that politician Senator Ian Le Marquand said that he believes it should be possible for a magistrate to be asked to leave their position when public confidence is lost.
4 Comments
Willo
Wow! Best position to be in! Can you imagine, not worrying about ANY bills, a mortgage, husband or wife or even food on the table and then being paid for THAT??!! Give me half of that I say. The law of the land is truly preposterous. The same guy would have at some time in his wretched life been lecturing morality to someone.
Lisa Hamer
It just shows how stupid the law can be sometimes. So, Her Majesty is paying £500,000 pa, and also paying for his board and lodgings on top!!! What a farce!!
Raymond Raven
I have been saying for some time that English people are stupid. Incarcerating a criminal and then paying him £500,000, sounds like a good business deal for him.
Jackie Brook
The man's in prison. He has forfeited his civil liberties and earning an income is one of them. Far worse is that he is being held by Her Majesty! It should be claimed back!