William of the White Hand
Junior News Editor
New Democrat MP Svend Robinson, right, is consoled by partner Max Riveron at an emotional news conference in Burnaby, B.C., on April 15.
Conditional discharge for Robinson
'Shattered' ex-MP sentenced to 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to theft
CANADIAN PRESS
VANCOUVER - Svend Robinson, the distinguished politician who stole a diamond ring and unravelled a 25-year career, walked out of court today without jail time or a criminal conviction after pleading guilty to the embarrassing offence.
Robi
son has suffered intense humiliation, has been shamed out of public office and Justice Ron Fratkin said that's punishment enough.
"In Canada, we don't kick people when they're down,
" he said.
Instead, he gave Robinson a conditional discharge and sentenced him to 100 hours of community se
rvice.