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The judge found that during the trial the pair were accurate in their criticisms of each other’s evidence.

“Both parties went out of their way to ensure that they gave evidence that was tailored to put their respective positions in the best light,” said Dley. “Often times, the need for accuracy was an elusive target in contrast to shining the brightest light on their respective positions while dimming the lights on the opposing party.”

Norkum argued that Fletcher was guilty of the tort of deceit by expressing love for him when she actually considered the relationship nothing more than an exchange of money for sex, companionship and availability. He claimed that the deceit included a secret affair with another man, her business dealing with the other man and the other man’s active parenting of her twins.

The judge said there was no doubt that Fletcher was less than candid, but added that he was cognizant of the circumstances under which the couple met, at an exotic dance club.

“It defies credulity that Mr. Norkum, a highly intelligent, successful and sophisticated businessman, could have been as easily deceived as he claims when he embarked upon a relationship with a woman who explicitly demanded to be paid for her time,” the judge said.

Norkum claimed the cost of gifts and vacations was nearly $650,000, but the judge rejected those claims and claims that she should repay him for the salary paid to her.

But the judge concluded that nearly $1.1 million in renovations to the Coquitlam home were not gifts and ordered Fletcher to pay Norkum that amount. He also found that the $200,000 purchase of a property in Trinidad was not a gift and should be paid back to Norkum.

David McEwan, a lawyer for Fletcher, said his client had no comment on the ruling.

kfraser@postmedia.com

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