For the part he played in the gas plants controversy, a former top Liberal aide has received jail time.
David Livingston has been sentenced to four months behind bars, 12 months probation, and 100 hours of community service.
The 65-year-old was convicted earlier this year of unauthorized use of a computer related to the deletion of documents following the McGuinty government's cancellation of two gas plants.
Justice Timothy Lipson told court that incarceration in necessary in the case because Livingston attempted to thwart democracy with his actions and the courts are in place to protect the democratic process.
Lipson said that six to 12 months in jail, what the Crown asked for, would be too much given the mitigating factors. He said he agrees with the defence that Livingston was previously of good character and someone who significantly contributed to the community.
Livingston's lawyer asked for a 10-minute recess after the sentence came down to prepare his client for what came next. Minutes later, Livingston was being escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs.
He might not spend the night in jai, though, because his lawyers say they are appealing the conviction and sentence. They hope to get their client bail while the appeal process unfolds.