Trial for alleged fraudster delayed, again

By Charlotte Helston

The trial of a man facing multiple charges under Canada's Bankruptcy Act began today with the Crown requesting immediate adjournment.

Keith Sands, who is representing himself in the trial, faces three counts of fraudulent property disposition during bankruptcy, two counts of failing to comply with duties, and one count of false entry or omission to do with his accounting.

The violations allegedly took place between May of 2008 and October of 2009.

Judge Mayland McKimm couldn't understand why the case has taken so long to get to trial.

Crown lawyer Kylie Walman said she was only recently assigned to the case, and though she was aware of numerous delays, she couldn't say why the file has taken years to get to trial.

What she could say was why one more delay was in everyone's best interests. It all had to do with a trustee file Walman said could make or break the Crown's case on one of the charges.

She said the RCMP investigator assigned to looking into the file never actually read it. Now, Walman wants a chance to see the document herself before the trial rolls into motion. She said the information pertains to the disposal of a truck Sands made during his bankruptcy.

Because of personal information in the file, Walman needed Sands' permission to access it. Judge Mayland McKimm put the trial's looming adjournment in the accused's hands, telling him all he had to do was say the word, and the trial could begin. If that was the decision, neither Walman, nor Sands, would get to see the trustee file.

"The Crown says information has arisen that is so dramatic on one of the counts that you (could be) entitled to acquittal," Mayland told Sands.

Sands agreed waiting a little longer to ensure all facts were brought forth was a wise idea.

His trial, which was expected to run four days, is being rescheduled.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.