Former MP Natalie McGarry found guilty of embezzling funds from pro-independence groups

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Ex SNP MP Natalie McGarry has been found guilty of embezzling funds from two pro-independence groups.The verdict was delivered at Glasgow Sheriff Court today.McGarry, 40, was accused of embezzling £21,000 while treasurer of Women for Independence between 2013 and 2015.The ex-Glasgow East MP was also accused of taking £4,661 between April 9, 2014 and August 10, 2015 when she was treasurer, secretary and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association (GRA) of the SNP.A jury found her guilty by majority of a charge in relation to WfI and also by majority as regards the GRA-related charge.

McGarry, of Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, had denied both charges against her.The six-week trial had heard evidence from several witnesses, including current and former Scottish health secretaries Humza Yousaf and Jeane Freeman.Sheriff Tom Hughes told McGarry she had been given a position of trust by the two organisations, which had helped her get elected to Westminster.He said: “What you have been convicted of are a series of incidents which took place over a long period of time.“It was not a one-off incident.

There were a number of transactions carried out by you to allow you to carry out this crime.“There’s a significant breach of trust in all of this.

You were asked to deal with the finances of both Women for Independence and the Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP.”To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.