Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Hay River Reserve (Oct 24/05) - A former volunteer fundraiser received a suspended sentence last week for stealing money from the K'amba Carnival organizing committee.

Victoria Louise Gargan, 38, had earlier pleaded guilty to theft under $5,000.

In Hay River Territorial Court on Oct. 17, Gargan was handed a suspended sentence, placed on probation for one year, and ordered to pay restitution and make a donation to the carnival committee.

Between Jan. 1 and March 3, 2005, she stole $2,835 raised by the sale of raffle tickets.

None of the money was recovered by the committee.

The court was not told a reason why Gargan took the money, but was told she makes $5,000 a month in take-home pay as a bush cook.

"It's hard to understand," said Judge Brian Bruser, who complained to the Crown and defence about a lack of information about the accused on which to base his sentence.

The judge also questioned the Crown's suggestion of just a suspended sentence, restitution and probation. He said that would amount to little more than repaying the stolen money, interest-free.

"I don't call that justice," he said.

Bruser therefore also ordered Gargan to make a $1,000 donation to the K'amba Carnival committee.