The Opposition M-P for Huron-Bruce is visibly disappointed in the outcome of the Brenda Martin case in Mexico. Martin yesterday was sentenced by a Mexican judge to five years in prison and fined for her role in a multi-million dollar Internet scam run by her former boss. Martin has already been behind bars in that country for two years, during which time she has steadfastly maintained her innocence. Paul Steckle says her plight reminds him of several prominent cases in Canada. Stekle compares Martin’s situation to those of Steven Truscott, Donald Marshall and David Milgaard, all of whom spent years in prison for murders they didn’t commit. Steckle is openly concerned for Martin’s health and calls for her return to Canada. He says her mental condition is such that anything can happen, and that she needs a stable environment other than prison to help her regain her stability. Steckle says Martin’s family has had to endure an ordeal that likely isn’t over yet. Steckle says his thoughts and prayers are with Martin’s mother and her extended family which include her aunt and uncle, Gail and Doug Currie of Goderich. Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day says Martin will likely be transferred out of Mexico shortly.
