Former MP launches appeal against embezzlement conviction

Former politician Natalie McGarry has lodged an appeal after being jailed for embezzling £25,000 from the SNP and a pro-independence group.

The 41 year-old was sentenced to two years at Glasgow Sheriff Court in June.

McGarry was found guilty of taking £19,974 while treasurer of Women for Independence.

She also embezzled further £4,661 while treasure, secretary and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP.

McGarry - who denied the accusations - had been the MP for Glasgow East between 2015 and 2017.

Sheriff Tom Hughes told her at the hearing in June: "Through your role in these offences, you have not only betrayed the trust placed in you by others.

"Your standards have fallen well short of those the public should have a right to expect from MPs."

The Appeal Court in Edinburgh confirmed papers have now been lodged against both the conviction and jail-term.

The details of the grounds of the appeal are not known.

No date has been fixed for any possible court hearing.

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