'Covert, shocking': Mike Duffy cleared on all charges as judge slams Harper PMO

Justice Charles Vaillancourt dismissed everychargerelated to Mike Duffy's residency,travel claims and expense contracting. The Crown has failed to get a single conviction for fraud, breach of trust or bribery.

• Decision day for Mike Duffy:Judge dismisses everycharge

The judge wrapped up his 308-page decision by making it abundantly clear the Crown failed to make its case on the bribery charges related to the $90,000 cheque from Stephen Harper's former chief of staff,NigelWright.

The actions of Harper's staff got a colourful condemnation from the bench. "'Could Hollywood match their creativity?" the judge asked. "It is interesting that no one suggested doing the legal thing."

Vaillancourtcalledthe senator a "credible witness," whose conduct was "reasonable and honest," acting on the advice of then-prime minister Stephen Harper's office.In the absence of clear Senate rules,"the only evidence is exculpatory," the judgesaid.

Bayne says vindication was resounding

8 years ago

Duration 2:55

Senator Mike Duffy's lawyer, Donald Bayne, speaks to reporters after the embattled Senator was cleared of all 31 fraud charges against him.

Duffy's travel claims hadno financial motive, "no sinister motive" and "no criminal intent," the judgesaid.

The senator's contractarrangement with friend Gerald Donohue to pay for things like speech writing and make-up services was not akin to a slush fund, the judge continued after a lunch break. There was no evidence of kickbacks or phoney invoices and it was not an attempt to skirt Senate oversight, the judge found. Duffy acted "in good faith."

Read a recap of our live blog below.

(Can't see the liveblog?Follow it here.)

• In his own words: Memorable moments from Mike Duffy's trial
• Duffy had sole authority over payments in 'slush-fund scheme,' Crown says
• Duffy files Senate paperwork ahead of fraud trial decision