Embezzlement-charge councillor steps down

A FORMER deputy leader of Aberdeen City Council's ruling Liberal Democrat group is to step down from a number of his duties following his appearance in court on embezzlement charges.

Councillor Scott Cassie and his wife Moira appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court this week, accused of embezzling funds over an 11-year period from Garthdee Community Council. The couple, who made no plea, were committed for further examination and bailed.

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. Mrs Cassie resigned from her post as chairwoman of the community council shortly before her husband's suspension.

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 the council has now announced that Mr Cassie is to step down from the council committees and groups in which he is involved. He is a member of the finance and resources committee, the licensing committee and the audit and risk committee.

A council spokesman said: "Following discussions with Aberdeen City Council leader John Stewart, Councillor Scott Cassie has agreed that it would be appropriate for him to stand down from the council committees and working groups in which he is involved, pending the outcome of court proceedings."