Crieff boss is accused of embezzling theatre cash

The manager at Crieff Succeeds will face trial later this year, accused of stealing money from a drama group in Paisley.

David McCann (57) faces allegations he embezzled £14,000 from Pace Theatre Company, the group that launched the careers of James McAvoy and Paolo Nutini.

McCann, better known under his stage name David Wallace, was expected to face trial at Paisley Sheriff Court this week.

However, the case has been put off for another six weeks to give both sides a chance to prepare their evidence.

McCann appeared in the dock yesterday before Sheriff David Pender where he maintained his plea of not guilty.

He is accused of taking cash from the group’s base in School Wynd, Paisley, between December 2013 and March 2017.

A defence agent for McCann told the court:“The matter was continued until today’s date. Essentially, it was to consider material taken from a forensic financial report. Unfortunately, the defence does not have that report.

“It concerns information we have requested from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

“The Crown is also moving for a further notional trial diet. Inquiries by the defence have been put forward in this respect.”

The court heard McCann, who founded the popular children’s drama group more than 30 years ago, is alleged to have misused funds while employed as the director.

The charge relates to a credit card and a PayPal account being misused by the accused, a charge he firmly denies.

Procurator fiscal depute Carol Cameron said the prosection has been in touch the police officer leading the inquiry to move things on.

Sheriff Pender agreed to the Crown’s request and continued the case to next hearing on April 8.

McCann was appointed manager at the Crieff Succeeds group in 2018.