Former SNP MP McGarry faces trial for embezzling
FORMER MP Natalie McGarry is due to stand trial later this year for allegedly embezzling more than £41,544.
The 37-year-old appeared under McGarry or Meikle, her married name, during her first public appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday.
It’s claimed she embezzled money while she was Treasurer of Women for Independence, and the Treasurer, secretary and convenor of the Glasgow Regional Association of the Scottish National Party.
She faces three charges of embezzlement and a charge contrary to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, for allegedly not providing a passcode for a mobile phone.
Counsel John McElroy represented former Glasgow East MP McGarry, from Clarkston, and pleaded not guilty on her behalf.
Sheriff Paul Crozier set a trial for April this year and it is expected to last between four to six weeks.
The first charge alleges that between April 26, 2013 and November 30, 2015 McGarry, in the course of her role as Treasurer for Women for Independence embezzled £32,991.
It’s claimed she transferred funds raised through fundraising events into her personal account, failed to transfer charitable donations to the Perth and Kinross food bank and to Positive Prison Positive Futures.
And, that she allegedly used cheques, held in the name of Women for Independence, to deposit money into her own account.
The second claims that between April 9, 2014 and August 10, 2015 she embezzled £4,661.
The third embezzlement charge totalling £3891, allegedly took place between February 1, 2014 and June 17, 2014.
Ms McGarry faces a final charge of failing to provide a passcode for a mobile phone seized from her by police, in August 2016.
Her bail was continued by the sheriff.