McGarry ‘took refuge in toilet’ when police searched her home

ADETECTIVE Constable told a jury that Natalie McGarry took refuge in a toilet as he read out a search warrant for her home.

Brian Butler stated that McGarry was “angry and distressed” when he arrived at the scene on May 19, 2016.

DC Butler further stated that the former MP closed the door on his face and did not conduct herself in a way “befitting of her position”.

McGarry, 40, who represented Glasgow East at Westminster for the SNP, allegedly stole more than £25,000 from two organisations advocating for Scottish independence between April 2013 and August 2015. McGarry, of the city’s Clarkston, denies the two charges.

DC Butler told jurors in evidence yesterday that McGarry was distressed, angry and refused to remain still when he attempted to read the search warrant.

He said: “She then took refuge in the bathroom and I had to read the terms of the warrant through the bathroom door.”

Prosecutor Alistair Mitchell asked how things progressed from there.

The witness replied: “There was a continued escalation or de-escalation.

“For a person in an elected position, her conduct was not befitting her position.”

Mr Mitchell asked: “Was there a point she came out?”

DC Butler responded: “Yes, she tried to slam the door in my face.”

The witness stated that McGarry later gave a “no comment” interview at a police station. Allan MacLeod, defending, put it to the witness that police had been gathering evidence that she committed the crimes rather than exculpate her.

The officer replied: “My job was to gather information for the inquiry in the best possible way.”

The warrant was executed a week before McGarry’s wedding. Mr MacLeod said officers spoke to her wedding photographer and where she purchased her wedding ring.

DC Butler said: “There was a reason behind it.”

Mr MacLeod then asked: “When it comes to checking emails that Natalie said will contain evidence of expenses you didn’t bother looking at that?” DC Butler responded: “I would suggest there were direct routes of enquiries about the purchases of wedding rings, photographers and ties.”

The trial continues before sheriff Tom Hughes.