Former SNP MP Natalie McGarry goes on trial for embezzlement

Former SNP MP Natalie McGarry is on trial accused of embezzling more than £25,000 from two Scottish independence organisations.

McGarry, who represented Glasgow East, allegedly embezzled the cash between April 2013 and August 2015.

The 40-year-old denies the two charges at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Evidence is due to start tomorrow before a jury comprised of seven woman and eight men who were sworn in today.

Allan Macleod, defending, told the hearing: “She pleads not guilty to both charges on the indictment and the defence is ready for to proceed to trial.”

The charge claims McGarry embezzled £21,000 while treasurer for Women for Independence between April 26 2013 and November 30 2015.

It is alleged she transferred cash made from fundraising events into her own personal accounts and failed to send the donations intended for Perth and Kinross food bank and the charity Positive Prisons Positive Futures.

She then allegedly used cheques - held in the name of Women for Independence - to deposit money into her accounts.

The second charge states McGarry embezzled £4,661 between April 9 2014 and August 10 2015.

It is alleged that while McGarry was treasurer, secretary and convenor of Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP, she used cheques drawn from their bank account to pay expenses not incurred by the group.

McGarry is claimed to have retained reimbursements intended to settle expenses which she was not entitled to.

The charge goes on to say McGarry used cheques and money from donations to the organisation to deposit money to her own accounts.

The trial is expected to last up to six weeks.