A Vernon lawyer will spend more time in jail.
The B.C. Court of Appeal ruled Monday that William Mastop’s jail sentence should be extended from one year to two-and-a-half years.
“The trial judge erred by focusing on the lack of evidence of direct consequences flowing from the respondent’s actions, rather than focusing on the respondent’s intention and the egregious nature of his actions,” states the Court of Appeal decision.
Mastop pleaded guilty earlier this year to participating in the activities of a criminal organization, commonly known as the Greeks, in Vernon.
However, Crown counsel initiated an appeal, saying the one-year sentence wasn’t sufficient given the case.
Mastop entered a guilty plea in December 2012 to participating in the activities of a North Okanagan criminal organization. He was arrested in January 2010 in Lake Country.
It’s believed Mastop is the first lawyer in Canada charged with participating in the activities of a criminal organization.
