Steven Purcell: The former council leader will not face criminal proceedings. Pic: © STV
The disgraced former leader of Glasgow City Council will not face any criminal proceedings.
Steven Purcell stepped down as head of the Labour group at Scotland’s largest local authority amid allegations of drug taking and criminality.
The former rising star in the Labour Party and fellow councillor Ruth Black will not face any criminal proceedings, the Crown Office confirmed on Friday. An investigation had been launched into the pair over a grant Ms Black had received.
A spokesman said: "Strathclyde Police have fully investigated allegations made against Stephen Purcell and Ruth Black.
"The results of these investigations have been made available to Crown Counsel. Crown Counsel agree with the conclusion reached by Strathclyde Police, that there is insufficient evidence of criminality at this time and that no further action is currently appropriate."
On March 2, 2010, Mr Purcell announced that he was stepping down from his post as leader of the council to "concentrate on his health and well-being".
Soon, accusations of cocaine use came to light and the former council leader was quoted in an article in The Sun sometime later admitting that he had used the drug a “handful” of times.
He checked in to Castle Craig Rehabilitation clinic in Peebleshire soon after standing down and at one point was posted missing from the facility, before he returned after police had been called out.
IN DETAIL
- Steven Purcell faces criminal investigation
- Steven Purcell went missing from private clinic
- Steven Purcell resigns as councillor
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