No way back for shamed politician

The racist messages sent by Craig Melville in November 2015 are almost inexplicably vile. Unless he offers another explanation, it can only be presumed they reflect his true feelings.

Melville was a rising star in the SNP, an aide to a city MP and the holder of a senior position on the council.

Voters had trusted him to act in their interests, little knowing the hatred of which he was capable.

The city he represented is proudly multi-cultural and welcoming and the vast majority of its citizens will be sickened. His abuse of their trust came shortly after one of the most horrific terrorist attacks of recent times.

No matter his personal circumstances, there can be no excuse for his actions.

Although he was immediately suspended and then resigned his party positions, he has maintained his innocence for years, needlessly causing extra anxiety to those who have had the matter hanging over them and been forced to give evidence in court.

The lengthy police investigation and subsequent criminal trial have come at considerable cost to the public purse.

His self-pitying mitigation after conviction focused on his ruined political career instead of any notion of contrition.

Those in power seem increasingly capable of escaping culpability for their words and actions.

That should never be the case for Craig Melville — there should be no way back for him.