Verdict to be rendered today in the trial of London, Ont., Mayor Joe Fontana

LONDON, Ont. – A verdict is due to be delivered today in the trial of London, Ont., Mayor Joe Fontana.

He is accused of fraud, forgery and breach of trust from his time as a Liberal MP and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Fontana testified last month that it was ”stupid” of him and a ”mistake” to alter a document he submitted for expenses while he was an MP.

He said he altered an invoice for his son’s June 2005 wedding to reflect a reception he planned for then-finance minister Ralph Goodale at the same venue.

Even though that event did not happen as scheduled, Fontana says he believed he owed the Marconi Club a $1,700 deposit, but did not have any paperwork.

A Government of Canada cheque for that amount was ultimately sent to the Marconi Club, where it was listed on their books as payment for the wedding.

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