Patricia Anne Dixon arrives for a sentencing hearing at Dartmouth Provincial Court Monday Photo by Tim KrochakArticle contentCounsel in the joint recommendation sentencing of Patricia Anne Dixon returned to provincial court Monday with amended submissions.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentCrown attorney Brian Cox and defence attorney Aimee Walters appeared before Judge Amy Sakalauskas to address questions from the November hearing with regard to the prohibition order, terms of sentence and restitution.Article contentArticle contentDixon, 52, of East Chezzetcook, defrauded two Roman Catholic parishes of more than $225,000. In May, Dixon pleaded guilty to one count of fraud over $5,000 shortly before she was to stand trial on 10 fraud-related charges.Article contentArticle contentThe fraud was committed between 2010 and 2020 while Dixon was employed as a bookkeeper for the former Saint Anselm’s Parish in West Chezzetcook and then Saint John of the Cross Parish, which includes three churches between East Chezzetcook and Sheet Harbour.Article contentOn Sept. 25, Cox and Walters asked the judge to impose a conditional sentence of two years less a day, followed by a year of probation. The proposed sentence also included a restitution order for $225,258.Article contentIncluded in the amended submissions presented at Dartmouth provincial court were a lifetime ban on Dixon handling money in accordance with Section 380.2 of the Criminal Code, a conditional sentence order for two years less a day of house arrest and three years of probation, and the restitution.Article contentArticle contentCox defended the joint recommendation to Sakalauskas, saying it would allow Dixon to serve her sentence in the community.Article contentArticle content“This is not shocking; this is the proper, effective administration of justice,” said Cox. “This is how our system is supposed to work. A guilty plea has to mean something.Article content“From the Crown’s perspective, admitting what she admitted to in front of the entire church community in the detail that has been set out, it is not unreasonable that Ms. Dixon, a first-time offender, be sentenced to a conditional sentence for two years and a three-year probation order and be prohibited for life from ever handling money again.”Article contentWalters said public interest sets a high threshold for judges to reject a joint recommendation submission.Article content“(It) is intended to foster confidence in the bargaining system,” said Walters. “The Crown and the defence have come together with a joint recommendation and have submitted additional case law as well as agreed to tighten the (conditional sentence order) with probation, on handling money and house arrest, and a lengthy probationary period.Article content“Ms. Dixon has shown remorse for her actions, she has articulated concern for the parishioners and a loss of place of worship. She accepts responsibility for her actions and has agreed to more strict conditions in her (conditional sentence order).”Article contentThe legal entity to which the restitution would be paid was determined to be Saint John of the Cross Parish, which amalgamated several parishes in the surrounding area.Article contentSakalauskas said she will give her decision Jan.6.Article content
Nova Scotia parishes fraud: Amended submissions presented in woman’s joint recommendation sentencing
