Dean Del Mastro trial tied to campaign spending continues today

PETERBOROUGH, Ont. – The trial of MP Dean Del Mastro on charges related to election campaign spending continues today in Peterborough, Ontario.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges of overspending during the 2008 campaign, failing to report a personal contribution of $21,000 to his own campaign and knowingly submitting a falsified document.

The Crown alleges Del Mastro used backdated invoices from a data-research firm to help cover up campaign overspending for the 2008 election.

Prosecutor Tom Lemon alleges Del Mastro paid for the firm’s services from a personal account, which meant he exceeded a limit on personal contributions.

But Lemon claims the Peterborough MP tried to make it appear the company had only charged a fraction of the cost during the campaign.

Del Mastro says he’s pleased his trial — which began yesterday — is underway and says he’s confident what the outcome will be.

If found guilty, Del Mastro could each face a fine of one thousand dollars and a year behind bars.

Del Mastro was a Conservative MP until he resigned from caucus in September 2013 and now sits as an independent.