Former Dundee Councillor charged over alleged offensive texts

Police confirm Craig Melville charged after allegations he sent offensive text messages to party colleague

Published 6th Apr 2016

A former SNP councillor has been charged by police after allegations he sent offensive text messages to a fellow party activist.

Craig Melville quit as a Dundee City councillor in February and was suspended by the SNP from his duties as an aide to Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie.

Now Melville, the former councillor for the Maryfield ward in Dundee, has been charged and a report has been sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "Police can confirm that a 35-year-old man has been charged.

"A report will now be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal."

Meanwhile, a separate investigation by the commissioner for ethical standards in public life for Scotland into Melville has been dropped.

A spokesman for the Commissioner said: "I can confirm there is no ongoing investigation relating to a complaint about former Dundee City Councillor Craig Melville."

Melville's resignation triggered a by-election that took place last week.

The seat was retained by SNP candidate Lynne Short.