Pocklington to begin jail sentence Dec. 9

CTV Edmonton: Pocklington sentenced in California Peter Pocklington is going to jail, the former Oilers owner was handed a six month sentence in a California courtroom Friday.

Sources have confirmed to CTV News that the former owner of the Edmonton Oilers has been sentenced in a California courtroom, after being found guilty of violating terms of his probation.

On Friday morning, CTV News learned that Peter Pocklington, 71, had been sentenced to six months in jail, followed by six months of house arrest and two more years of probation.

The sentencing came after a court decision Monday in a Riverside, California, when Pocklington was found guilty of submitting an inaccurate monthly income report to his probation officer.

According to court documents obtained by CTV News, in 2011 and 2012, Pocklington was ordered to disclose his monthly income to a probation officer – but he didn’t share details about all the money he was making.

Investigators found Pocklington had millions of dollars-worth in unreported income over both of those years – money he received as a gold mine consultant.

The conviction came after Pocklington was sentenced to six months of house arrest and two years of probation for perjury in 2010. In court, Pocklington admitted to lying during bankruptcy proceedings – in exchange, charges of bankruptcy fraud were dropped.

In court, Pocklington told the court he needed to care for his wife Eva, who has heart problems – however, the judge told Pocklington that his children could look after her.

Following his sentencing, Pocklington issued a statement to CTV News:

“The District Court found that while I was on supervised release, I did not disclose sufficient information to the probation officer. I respect the justice system of the United States, and I accept the findings of the District Court. Obviously, this is not a development I welcome, but I accept full responsibility for my actions and I will willingly comply with each and every condition of my supervised release.

“Those who know me also know that throughout my life, I have encountered and successfully overcome much adversity. I do so again now, grateful for the expressions of support I have received from my family, friends and associates. Adversity is a great teacher and makes those who strive to overcome it better people.

“Onward and upward.”

Pocklington will be going to jail December 9, he is being allowed time to have a medical procedure done first.

In the meantime, Pocklington will wear an ankle monitoring device.

Pocklington moved from Edmonton to California more than 10 years ago.

With files from David Ewasuk