Former councillor is charged over alleged racist text messages

Police: Report has been sent to the procurator fiscal regarding claims made over Craig Melville’s conduct

The former SNP councillor Craig Melville has been charged by Police Scotland, after allegedly sending racist text messages to a fellow party activist.

A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal in relation to the allegations – meaning Melville could face court by the end of the year.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police can confirm that a 35-yearold man has been charged.

“A report will now be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

Melville, the former councillor for Maryfield, resigned amidst the allegations in February and was suspended by the SNP and from his duties as aide to Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie.

Police had received an initial complaint in January and proceeded with their investigation, with the texts allegedly having been sent in November.

Meanwhile, The Courier can reveal that a separate investigation by the commissioner for ethical standards in public life for Scotland has been dropped.

A spokesperson for the commissioner said: “I can confirm there is no ongoing investigation relating to a complaint about former Dundee City Councillor Craig Melville.”

It is the role of the commissioner to investigate complaints about the conduct of MSP’s, members of public bodies and local authority councillors.

The commissioner also has the ability to suspend current councillors and can ban potential candidates from standing for election for up to five years.

Mr Melville’s resignation triggered a by-election that took place at the end of March. The seat was retained by SNP candidate Lynne Short.

SNP council leader Ken Guild said after the by-election that Mr Melville’s resignation had not been an issue the voters had raised with him or other SNP activists during the run-up to the ballot.

Mr Melville was approached for comment, but could not be contacted.

POLICE SCOTLAND SPOKESPERSON