Charity ‘exposed people to a monster’

A former trustee of a support group for people dealing with addiction issues has said it exposed “vulnerable people to a monster”.

Peter Duncan, who was on the board of Recovery Dundee from September to November this year, said the decision to allow Michael McCash to work with the organisation had put the wellbeing of service users at risk.

McCash started helping with the group in November last year.

Recovery Dundee founder Sharon Brand, who accompanied McCash to court yesterday, linked up with the 28-year-old in November last year when the pair launched a free fitness class called Revive.

The pair then joined up with Ashley Bonini’s group Let’s Talk Tayside to form Let’s Talk Recovery.

The group aims to support recovering addicts and those with mental health issues to build up their mental wellbeing and confidence.

Ms Bonini has reportedly told associates she was unaware of the criminal investigation into McCash.

Mr Duncan said he had “no idea” about the police probe when he was involved with Recovery Dundee and was speechless when he heard.

He said: “I am happy to confirm that I was never made aware of Mr McCash’s violence inflicted against these young and defenceless women.

“I also distance myself from the statement made by the current board. I feel that he has been targeting the most vulnerable people in Dundee to gain a lesser sentence. To me this demonstrates a wicked level of cunning on his part.

“They should not be standing by him. Recovery Dundee have exposed vulnerable people to a monster.

“What made it worse was Recovery Dundee’s statement supporting him.”