Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
‘Hysterical nonsense’
SNP group leader slams claim he provided ‘false alibi’ for ally
SNP group leader David Stocks has called a fellow election candidate’s claims he provided a “false alibi” to help a party colleague avoid criminal charges “hysterical nonsense”.
Airdrie Central candidate David Stocks – competing to become leader of North Lanarkshire Council this week – faces accusations of dishonesty in a campaign leaflet released by Independent Cumbernauld councillor Alan O’Brien.
Mr O’Brien was found not guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court last month relating to claims he threatened Airdrie South councillors Michael and Agnes Coyle at Motherwell Civic Centre in November 2015.
The Cumbernauld North candidate has chosen to use his election leaflet to claim Mr Stocks provided “threatening thug” Mr Coyle with an alibi and a “dishonest testimony” that led to Mr O’Brien’s court appearance.
He also accuses the pair of lying “their socks off”, says their testimony was “utterly without credibility” and, in relation to Mr Stocks, asks voters: “Do you really want a man who tried to destroy a life and career by providing an alibi to a thug running the council?”
Mr O’Brien alleges the “nightmarish situation” arose Allegations Councillor O’Brien’s campaign leaflet when Mr Coyle attempted to intimidate him by “making threatening references regarding his [O’Brien’s] girlfriend” and that Mr Stocks then furnished Mr Coyle with an alibi that meant “police could take no action”.
The leaflet then goes on to ... any decent person reading it will see it for what it is; a tissue of lies and smears. David Stocks claim that, five months later, Mr Coyle “went to the police claiming Councillor O’Brien was the one who threatened him” and Mr Stocks’ “dishonest testimony” led to Mr O’Brien finding himself “in the terrifying position of going to court accused of criminal charges”.
Both Mr Stocks and Mr Coyle have slammed Mr O’Brien’s allegations and confirmed they have reported the leaflet – which they say is breaching election guidelines – and its content to the police.
Mr Stocks told the Advertiser: “This leaflet has been reported to Police Scotland as the SNP is clearly of the view that it breaches election guidelines.
“This kind of hysterical nonsense has become typical of Mr O’Brien’s irrational behaviour, and any decent person reading it will see it for what it is; a tissue of lies and smears.
“I think anyone reading this leaflet will be less, not more, likely to vote for Mr O’Brien.
“People like him bring politics intoi disrepute. His behaviour is totallyt unacceptable.”
Mr Coyle added: “We have r reported this leaflet to the police and the relevant authorities as it is full of lies and smears.
“These actions bring politics i into disrepute.
“It was the view of the court t that the incident [in November 2 2015] was an argument b between two councillors which, unfortunately, was established before any of the other witnesses had the opportunity to give their testimony.
“However, the police found there was enough evidence to arrest and charge Mr O’Brien and the procurator fiscal felt it appropriate to progress the case to a Crown court hearing.
“These are both facts and the case was dismissed. It was a not guilty verdict, but Mr O’Brien would no doubt have everyone believe his version of events.
“I don’t think anyone receiving Mr O’Brien’s election leaflet will give it a second thought and, after looking at the content, would put it in the appropriate place – the rubbish bin!”
Police confirmed they are investigating complaints relating to Mr O’Brien’s leaflet and Inspector Steven Miller added: “We have received a report regarding this election leaflet and we are reviewing its content and looking into the matter.”