PPS Abandons Appeal of Sentence for Reeves Matheson

PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE--PPS Abandons Appeal of Sentence for Reeves Matheson

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service has abandoned its appeal of the conditional sentence of former MLA Reeves Matheson.

A former lawyer, Mr. Matheson pled guilty earlier this year of forgery, breach of trust and theft of $117,000 from clients.

The Crown recommended a three-year sentence to be served in prison, but Mr. Matheson was given two years less a day to be served in the community with restrictive conditions. The Crown's initial assessment was that the sentence did not meet the criteria for deterrence and filed notice of its intent to appeal the sentence.

Since then, the Crown has thoroughly reviewed both the applicable case law and the transcript from the sentencing hearing.

"Given the case law and the fact that the Court of Appeal must show deference to sentencing judges, we believe the court would not find the sentence unfit," said Butch Fiske, chief Crown attorney for the appeals branch.

Under the conditions of his sentence, Mr. Matheson must perform 100 hours of community service and remain in his home at all times other than to go to work, a medical appointment, church or to perform community service. He must also report to his supervisor on a regular basis. He must also repay the stolen money.