McGarry boosted ‘low’ income with indyref funds, fraud trial told

A FORMER MP used funds from independence groups ‘to bridge the gap’ between her ‘low’ income and spending, a court heard yesterday.

Jurors were urged to find Natalie McGarry guilty of embezzlement as her trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court drew to a close.

McGarry has pleaded not guilty to embezzling £21,000 while Women For Independence

(WFI) treasurer between April 26, 2013, and November 30, 2015. The 40-yearold also denies taking £4,661 between April 9, 2014, and August 2015 while treasurer, secretary and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP.

Yesterday prosecutor Alistair Mitchell told the court there were ‘patterns’ in McGarry’s use of funds transferred to her own bank account while in charge of the finances of both organisations. He said: ‘We saw a clear pattern when money was needed for rent, money came from WFI. When money was needed for loans or personal expenses, money came from WFI. You saw spending that would not have been possible without WFI money coming to her account.’

Mr Mitchell also touched on a holiday McGarry took to Spain, saying: ‘Evidence was showing money was being used from WFI for purchases of that sort.’ He added: ‘The accountancy report shows that the funds were used to bridge the gap between McGarry’s low income and outgoings such as rent as well as expenses.’

Mr Mitchell said McGarry received £27,000 into her personal bank account from three WFI fundraisers, and that WFI witnesses ‘were surprised that money was going into her bank account and they were not aware of that’.

He concluded by saying McGarry had abused trust and embezzled funds. He invited the jury ‘to find her guilty of both charges before you’.

Allan Macleod, defending, told the jury in his closing speech that the finances were ‘disorganised’ and ‘chaotic’.

He said: ‘I say when you look at the evidence in this case and apply common sense to that, you will acquit Miss McGarry of these charges.’

Sheriff Tom Hughes will send the jury out for their verdict today.