The 37-year-old was granted bail on Tuesday whilst judges decide whether she has legal grounds to appeal against the conviction or sentence. Her legal team argued that McGarry had received “defective” legal representation during previous sheriff court proceedings, that she suffers from poor mental health and does not pose a risk to public safety. During a protracted legal process, McGarry changed counsel several times, then pleaded guilty in April but later refused to accept her own guilty plea. She embezzled the largest amount, £21,000, from Women for Independence (WfI) , a campaign group she helped set up and fulfilled the role of treasurer. She also admitted embezzling £4,661 in the course of her role as treasurer, secretary and convener of the regional SNP association.

Source: The Guardian June 11, 2019 08:26 UTC