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Handicapped clients get restitution in fraud case Photo by GRAHAM PAINE School prspar~ for nsxt Frlday's Mardi Gras Dinner and Suent Auction. Hslplng maie decorations for lb. event ara atudants (from Ieft) Jessica Stanley, Nicole Cowper md Brlttney EliloIt along with parants Tracy Lamb and Claudette Dery-EIiIot. 5v LISA CARTWRIGHT The Champion A Milton woman convicted of defrauding handicapped clients of Community Living North Halton was denied a conditional dis- charge last week due to the men- tal capacity of her victims. A conditional diacharge would have left Kealyn Howitt, 25, of Milton with a dean record. But Judge William Sharpe denied her requeat and sentenced her o 18 montha probation. Prior to the February 3 sentencing, Ms Howitt presented Ontario Court (provin- cial division> in Oakville with $l,200 in reatitution - $200 for each of the victims. Court head ahe haa alto fulfihled another requirement of her probation - tecuring employment. She muaI alto keep lite peace and be of good bebaviour. Ms Howitt, who waa a support worker with Community Living North Hakon for almoat Ove years, pleaded guilty laie Isat. year to malcing unauthorized batik with- drawals from the developmentally and menlally challenged people in ber care. But ber lawyer bld the court there waa no fouI play intended. "My client has maintained that at no time did she have (any) intention of depriving the victims," said defence lawyer Peter Bouahy. He alto said ahe didn't use any of the money for herself. Nos to, said Crown atsomey Laurie Jago. Acconiing to Ms Jago, in a statement b police Ms Howibt said "somebimes I use money for my own purchaaes." But Mr. Bousby argued bit client neyer said that. "She is of the opinion that the statement was misconstrued," he said. In a belephone interview from Toronso, Mr. Boushy saili Ma Howitb would dip into one person's account to give money to another and understood tbat to lac a com- mon practise. "Jobnny needt some money, 50 sbe would bormw fsom Jane to give to Johnny and vice-versa," Mr. Boushy said. When aaked wbere tbe money went Mr. Bouaby said, "Sbe bas no idea." Tbe Crown told the court Ms Howibt shouldn'b be grassbed a condibional dis- charge because she betrayed the trust of ber clients. "We bave bo bake a look ai the victima. They put their fulI trust (in ber), a trust abe violated." Judge Sbarpe agreed with tbe Crown saying Ms Howibt's vidima were vulnera- bIc and abe broke their trust, as well as the trust of their families. Hot Thb!! liow do yon enjoy a vacatIon ail ycar? Ina Seacjîcomber Ilot Tub. Thîs la 111e tIm~ 0f year when familiet £00. bolldaya. For tht prier 0f a siagle fauily holIday, your fauily Ca. have fun ail year long. What a great imsvestmcnt. Take advantage 0f thia vainable factory inccntive Package and receive...