Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 29/02) - Lena Cleary continues to enjoy the support of Dene leaders, despite being convicted of stealing more than $50,000.

NWT Supreme Court Justice Virginia Schuler postponed handing down a sentence Wednesday, after lawyers for both sides took nearly three hours to complete their recommendations.

"I'm looking at the clock," Schuler told a crowded courtroom after Crown prosecutor Ari Slatkoff and defence lawyer Hugh Latimer finally wrapped up at 4:45 p.m.

Cleary was convicted Feb. 19 on charges of theft and fraud over $5,000 stemming from her tenure as manager of Done Naawo Housing Society, where she was responsible for managing 56 rental units in Dettah and Ndilo.

Prosecutors alleged she skimmed rent money, illegally claimed vacation travel allowances and used society funds to pay for personal expenses.

More than 35 people, most of them supporters of Cleary, packed the second-floor courtroom.

Among her supporters were Yellowknives Dene First Nation chiefs Richard Edjericon and Peter Liske.

Both Edjericon and Liske took the witness stand to offer testimonials to Cleary.

"I've known Lena all my life, and I'm here to say we support her 100 per cent," Liske told the courtroom.

Liske said the band did not want to see her jailed.

"She is well respected in the community," he added.

Edjericon told court that he wanted the court "to take into consideration our letters of support."

However, he agreed when asked by Slatkoff if there should be an appropriate punishment when a band member commits a "serious offence."

Cleary, dressed in a red jacket, sat impassively as the lawyers went through their sentencing arguments.

Slatkoff requested the court order Cleary to pay restitution of $57,714 to the NWT Housing Corporation, and serve a sentence of between two and three years.

"She betrayed the trust of members of the community ... she flagrantly abused her position of trust," said Slatkoff.

Noting his client had no prior criminal record and the support of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Latimer told Schuler that if she imposed jail time, "the first sentence should be a short one ... certainly not a penitentiary term."

Cleary told the court she is "really sorry for what's happened," and that she understands the seriousness of her crimes.

Cleary remains free on a promise to appear for sentencing April 10.