New fraud charge laid against former N.L. minister Byrne

The Crown laid a new charge of fraud Thursday against a former Newfoundland and Labrador cabinet minister who resigned in disgrace last year.

Ed Byrne, who already faced three criminal charges, now faces a fourth, of fraud against the government, which was formerly known as influence peddling.

Byrne was forced to resign as natural resources minister and government house leader in June 2006, when Auditor General John Noseworthy began releasing reports showing financial discrepancies at the provincial legislature.

The charge was laid in provincial court, when Byrne's case which also involves charges of fraud over $5,000, breach of trust and uttering forged documents was called.

Crown attorney Frances Knickle said the charge includes allegedly giving rewards to government officials.

Byrne, who has also resigned his St. John's-area seat of Kilbride, did not appear in court.

Defence lawyer Bob Simmonds, who represented Byrne, had little comment on the charge while speaking with reporters, including on whether Byrne will fight the allegations.

"I think it would be absolutely premature to make any kind of conclusions about anything right now," he said.

"Until I at least have some kind of a very prima facie or superficial review of it, I wouldn't be able to make any comments at all, except to tell you what the charges are."

Simmonds said he is still waiting for information about the case from the Crown. That, he said, will not likely happen until after Christmas.

Byrne's case has been set over until Feb. 11.

Charges followed audits of legislative spending

In his first report, Noseworthy said Byrne had received 10 times what he should have in constituency allowances over two fiscal years.

Byrne, a former leader of the provincial Progressive Conservative party, is one of five men charged in the legislative spending scandal, which has dominated political news in Newfoundland and Labrador for over a year.

Also charged are former finance director Bill Murray, and three former politicians: Liberals Wally Andersen and Jim Walsh, and New Democrat Randy Collins.

In a series of reports released over a six-month period, Noseworthy found that five politicians together received more than $1.6 million more than their entitlements in their constituency allowances. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary said it did not have grounds to lay criminal charges against the fifth politician, Liberal Percy Barrett.

Noseworthy also found that legislative funds were used to pay for $2.6 million in untendered merchandise from a handful of companies, foritems such as fridge magnets, pins and memorabilia.

Noseworthy's reports led to a police investigation, as well as a scathing review of legislative finances and operations by Newfoundland Supreme Court Justice Derek Green. A new management commission and oversight system has been installed at the legislature.

Meanwhile, Simmonds said Byrne is still trying to cope with the allegations.

"As you can appreciate, I'm sure [for] any of the persons charged with this, it's been a no disrespect intended but a media circus," he said.

"It's been very difficult on them, it's been in the forefront continually. So, no, this has not been a pleasant time for Mr. Byrne, his family or anyone related to it."