Police Scotland reviewing Coatbridge College pay-off claims

POLICE are still reviewing claims a former college principal withheld information to secure a £304,000 pay-off against official guidelines.

Police Scotland are reviewing claims John Doyle withheld information to receive a pay-off. Picture: Scottish Parliament

Former Coatbridge College principal John Doyle has been publicly accused of colluding with college chairman John Gray to withhold information from the college board to secure the pay-off, which was well in excess of Scottish Funding Council (SFC) guidelines restricting pay-offs to a year’s salary.

• READ MORE: Coatbridge College principal’s pay deal ‘appalling’

Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee, the Auditor General and the SFC all agreed the collusion took place and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was “appalled” by the situation.

In an unprecedented move, the Public Audit Committee sent a copy of its report to Police Scotland in January to “consider what action can be taken”.

The Scottish Parliament said on Wednesday the case was being “actively investigated” but police said the case is still being reviewed and has not been designated “active” at this time.

• READ MORE: Coatbridge College was ‘advised against’ pay-off

Mr Doyle has said he intends to keep the money as he does not accept the allegations of collusion.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Information has been received and is being reviewed by the relevant departments. There is no active investigation at this time.”

Future Scotland: Scotland’s tech sector, innovation and big ideas >>