Councillor facing fraud charges quits

A FORMER deputy leader of Aberdeen City Council's ruling Liberal Democrat group has stepped down as a councillor in advance of his appearance in court on embezzlement charges.

Scott Cassie, 60, who has represented Airyhall, Broomhill and Garthdee for more than ten years, is due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today, accused of embezzling funds over an 11-year period from Garthdee Community Council.

Mr Cassie, a former convener of the authority's planning committee, was suspended from his post as deputy leader of the administration group in July last year after it was first revealed that Grampian Police were investigating allegations of financial irregularities at the community council.

A month after his suspension, Mr Cassie quit the Liberal Democrat Party, but continued in his role as an Independent councillor representing the Airyhall, Broomhill and Garthdee ward. But it was announced last September that Mr Cassie had decided to step down from the council committees and groups in which he was involved.

He has now resigned as a councillor.

Mr Cassie said in a brief statement: "Due to personal reasons, I have resigned as councillor with immediate effect."