Former SNP MP Natalie McGarry has been found guilty of embezzling almost £25,000 after a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
McGarry, who represented Glasgow East between 2015 and 2017, was convicted of two charges of embezzlement – totalling £24,635 – after a trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
A jury found her guilty by majority of a charge of embezzling money while she was the treasurer of the Women for Independence campaign group between April 26, 2013, and November 30, 2015.
Natalie McGarry
Andrew Milligan
McGarry arriving at Glasgow Sheriff Court earlier this month
Andrew Milligan
She was also found guilty by majority of a second charge of taking money between April 9, 2014, and August 10, 2015, when she was treasurer, secretary and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP.
Addressing the 14 jurors before they retired to consider its verdict, Sheriff Tom Hughes said: “Remember that you have taken an oath or affirmation. This requires you to base any verdict only on evidence that you have heard in this court.
“You promised to return a true verdict in accordance with the evidence.
“You must put out of your mind anything you heard on TV, radio or read in a newspaper, anything you have read about the accused.
“You, ladies and gentlemen, are in a privileged position. You have been able to sit and listen to all of the evidence. It is now for you to consider.”
Jurors were told that in order to convict McGarry, they would have to be confident beyond reasonable doubt that the funds were misappropriated and used dishonestly.
The six-week trial heard evidence from several witnesses, including current and former Scottish health secretaries Humza Yousaf and Jeane Freeman.
