Pat Sorbara wiped tears from her eyes, while Gerry Lougheed Jr. shook his lawyers hands and was congratulated by a number of citizens who came to the courthouse in downtown Sudbury and heard the judge throw out all Election Act charges against the two.

Pat Sorbara’s Lawyer, Brian Greenspan says any negative context surrounding the case and liberal party should end now.

The judge says he found no properly instructed jury acting reasonably could convict the pair on bribery allegations.

Greenspan says “there are close calls and there are those that there aren’t at all close, this is on the extreme of not close at all.”

Lougheed’s lawyer Michael Lacy wondered why evidence was not better examined before this began.

Lacy says they are digesting the decision and will consider all options in terms of getting the crown to cover court costs.

Gerry Lougheed spoke with reporters after the trial ended and says it was a great relief.

He says this has soured him on politics but wouldn’t rule out getting involved again depending on the commitment and agenda item.

Gilles Bisson, NDP MPP fro Timmins-James Bay issued a statement following the verdict saying “Ontarians are not comforted by Liberal officials beating bribery charges.”

Bisson went on to say it gave a glimpse of the inner workings of the liberal part that they are a party obsessed with defending, protecting and promoting itself not the people of Ontario.

Filed under: acquittal, Brian Greenspan, Gerry Lougheed, judge, local news, Michael Lacy, Pat Sorbara, ruling charges thrown out, Sudbury, Sudbury Byelection, trial