Former SNP MP Natalie McGarry claims embezzlement settlement will be 'essentially nil'

Prosecutors seeking £130,000 from former MP Natalie McGarry have been told that the amount she will be able to pay back is “essentially nil.”

McGarry, 41, was jailed for two years at Glasgow Sheriff Court in June 2022.

She was found guilty of taking £19,974 while treasurer of Women for Independence and embezzled a further £4,661 while treasurer, 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.

She was released after a successful application to appeal her conviction and sentence in December 2022.

McGarry was unsuccessful in overturning her conviction but was able to reduce her length of sentence.

She was not in attendance for a proceeds of crime hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Advocate Allan MacLeod, defending, told the hearing that the Crown are about to serve a fourth statement of information.

He said: “What is still missing is a breakdown of the benefit figure – an Excel spreadsheet where the Crown say there is the benefit for criminal conduct.

“I’m told this will be forthcoming.

“The proposal is to continue for four to six weeks but I will ask for four weeks as the defence is very anxious to draw a line under this case as soon as possible.

“I do not know what the next version will say but there is a low available amount.

“The available amount is essentially nil – that is not the issue – it is the benefit figure which seems to increase and increase”

Prosecutor Mark Allan stated that he was informed a fourth version of the statement of information was to be sent from the Crown last night.

Sheriff Barry Divers replied: “It’s not made its way to me overnight and Mr MacLeod has not seen it, but as far as you are away you don’t know its content.”

Mr Allan replied: “No.”

A new date has now been set for early April.

Sheriff Divers said: “Hopefully that will be for settlement to be achieved.”

McGarry has been ordained to appear meantime.