Disgraced former SNP MP to pay back just £66 of £55,000 criminal takings
Natalie McGarry was jailed last year for embezzling funds from her party and a pro-independence group
Last updated 5th Sep 2023
Shamed former SNP MP Natalie McGarry has been ordered to repay just £66, despite it being agreed she benefited £55,000 from her criminal conduct.
McGarry, 41, was jailed last year for stealing £19,974 while treasurer of Women for Independence.
She embezzled a further £4,661 while treasurer, secretary and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP.
READ MORE: Former Glasgow MP found guilty of embezzling almost £25, 000
McGarry had been the MP for Glasgow East between 2015 and 2017.
A proceeds of crime hearing took place at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Tuesday as the Crown sought to recoup the stolen cash.
Allan MacLeod, defending, told Sheriff Barry Divers that an agreement with the Crown accountant had been reached.
It was agreed £66.36 was what the former Glasgow MP had available to pay back
The advocate said: “There is an agreed benefit figure for general criminal conduct which is £55,870 and there is an agreed available amount of £66.36.
“There is an agreed joint minute that you make a confiscation order for £66.36 and that will be paid to the Sheriff’s clerk within one month of today.
“Miss McGarry maintains her innocence for the charges and does not accept she committed any crimes.
“There are statutory presumptions that she accepts applies to her.
“She is unable to vouch for these amounts that went into her account over a period of 10 years.
“She accepts she is unable to rebut the statutory presumptions.”
Fiscal depute Brian Duffy told the hearing that the £66.36 figure was “the only amount available to Miss McGarry towards the confiscation order.”
The order was granted by Sheriff Divers.
The Crown initially believed McGarry’s benefit figure was £195,241.31 which was then reduced to £110,000.
The defence disputed this and believed the benefit figure was £55,000.