Ex-Quebec lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault released on conditional parole

Former Quebec lieutenant governor Lise Thibault is escorted by agents, leaving the courtroom after receiving an 18-month prison sentence at the courthouse in Quebec City, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015. (Jacques Boissinot / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

QUEBEC -- Former Quebec lieutenant-governor Lise Thibault has been granted parole related to her conviction for fraud and breach of trust.

Documents released by Quebec parole authorities indicate Thibault was freed today under certain conditions.

They include obeying the law and not interacting with anyone connected to her past criminal activities.

Thibault, 77, began serving her 18-month jail term in late February and was eligible for parole after serving one-sixth of her sentence.

She pleaded guilty in December 2014 after a 2007 report by the federal and provincial auditors general revealed she claimed more than $700,000 in improper expenses when she held the vice-regal post between 1997 and 2007.

Thibault's trial heard the money was allegedly spent on gifts, trips, parties, meals and skiing and golf lessons.