Son accused of embezzlement

A son has been accused of spending nearly five years embezzling £60,000 from his elderly mother.

Iain Macmillan, 55, is alleged to have been systematically taking money from his mother while he was supposed to be looking after her financial affairs.

It is alleged that between July 24 2009 and March 31 2014 he embezzled £60,000 from Ruby McMillan at various locations across Perthshire.

He is alleged to have taken money in Abbey Road and Perth Road in Scone, Auchterarder High Street, and High Street, South Street, South Methven Street, Crieff Road and Edinburgh Road in Perth. Macmillan, of Meal Vennel, Perth, is accused of embezzling the money while he had power of attorney over his mother’s affairs – including her financial affairs – while she was aged between 75 and 80.

He was due to appear at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday but a warrant was issued for his arrest by Sheriff Lindsay Foulis when he failed to turn up. It is understood Ruby McMillan passed away last week, aged 85.

Solicitor Linda Clark, defending, said: “I was due to appear with Mr Macmillan today. I spoke with him yesterday and fully anticipated he would be here today.”

Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson said the case had a “chequered history” since Macmillan first had the case against him continued in May 2017.