B.C. public trustee sentenced for fraud

A man who defrauded two seniors while he was working as a public trustee for the provincial government was sentenced to six years in jail when he appeared in a North Vancouver court on Monday.

Bryan Tickell, 30, showed no emotion as provincial court Judge Tony Dohm sentenced him to one four-year and two six-year sentences, concurrently. Tickell pleaded guilty to three fraud charges last fall.

Phyllis Lowdell, 88, was one of the victims who signed over a property to Tickell while he was her case worker at the Public Guardian and Trustee Agency of B.C.

In the courtroom on Monday, she let out a small laugh to show her pleasure when the sentence was handed down. Outside, Lowdell seemed satisfied, saying, "Yes, thank goodness for that."

Tickell also admitted he forged the will of one of his elderly clients, making himself a beneficiary, and listed a bogus university degree and credentials on his resume while applying for his job with the Public Guardian and Trustee Agency.

Dohm said Tickell's crimes were grave and he showed little empathy for his victims. Tickell was taken away in handcuffs and will have to supply a DNA sample, as he's considered a risk to reoffend.

The Public Guardian and Trustee of B.C. is a provincial agency mandated to protect the legal and financial interest of children, adults who require assistance in decision-making, and deceased and missing persons.