Former Liberal senator Raymond Lavigne not granted early parole

Senators beware, Canadians rejoice — there is justice when it comes to politicians who do wrong.

Former Liberal MP and senator Raymond Lavigne was denied parole, on Friday, after serving just two months of a six term sentence for fraud and breach of trust.

Lavigne — who was appointed to the red chamber by Jean Chretien in 2002 — was convicted for claiming travel expenses for trips actually taken by his Senate staffers and for having staff help him with yard work on the taxpayers' dime.

He had first applied for parole, two weeks ago, after complaining of poor health and difficult conditions in prison.

"There’s intimidation and extortion, and it’s dangerous," Michel Biron, a friend of Lavinge's, told the Huffington Post.

"He never knows whether someone, for one reason or another, will want to attack him."

His first parole hearing, on August 13, was hung as the two-member panel could not reach a decision.

Lavigne's second parole appeal, on Friday, failed because he hasn't yet taken responsibility for his crimes.

"You are requesting to serve a parole period in the province of Quebec, where you plan to live with your wife in your retirement," the board's decision said, according to the Canadian Press.

"Your repeated denial of any criminal wrongdoing, along with no confirmed community rehabilitative component to your release plan, you are not seen as a manageable risk in the community and parole is denied."

Lavigne is 67 years old. In addition to his 6 month prison sentence he is expected to serve six months of house arrest.

Don't feel too bad for him though: he's still entitled to a pension of up to $79,000 year.

[ Related: What’s in store for Senators Duffy, Harb and Brazeau? ]

His sentence and continuing imprisonment are probably a good reminder to senators to be diligent about their expenses.

Currently three senators — Senators Mike Duffy, Mac Harb and Patrick Brazeau — are being investigated by the RCMP for breach of trust allegations related to senate housing expenses. The Deloitte audit report of Senator Pamela Wallin's travel expenses was also forwarded to the RCMP for review.

[ Related: Mike Duffy thinks he’s been ‘thrown under the bus’ by the Conservatives: report ]

According to legal experts, the investigations could last up to a year. If any or all of the senators that are charged, their trials could start in as early as 18 months thereafter.

(Photo courtesy of the Canadian Press)

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