Jersey magistrate sentenced to 15 months in fraud case

A Jersey magistrate has been sentenced to 15 months in prison after he was found guilty of fraud.

Ian Christmas was found guilty of defrauding an investor of £100,000 in a property investment scheme. The money was used to pay off debts.

Former financial advisers Russell Foot, James Cameron and John Lewis were also found guilty in the case and received four-and-a-half year prison sentences.

Mr Christmas has lodged an appeal with the Royal Court.

The court heard the four men had been involved in a property purchase in the United States, but had defrauded a number of investors to help settle debts.

Mr Christmas has remained in office as a magistrate throughout the case, but has not carried out the role since June 2008.

Senator Ian Le Marquand, a local politician, called for a review in public office system in the wake of the sentencing.

He said he wanted it to be made possible for a magistrate to be asked to leave their role due to loss of public confidence.

Currently a magistrate can only be dismissed by order of the Queen, and after a disciplinary investigation by a UK judge.