Aberdeen depute lord provost steps down amid sex assault allegations

Aberdeen’s depute lord provost has stepped down from his role after being charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

Councillor Alan Donnelly was suspended by the Scottish Conservatives earlier this month as police launched an investigation.

An assault is alleged to have happened at Trinity Hall in Holburn Street, Aberdeen, in November last year.

Mr Donnelly represents the Torry and Ferryhill ward on the Conservative and Labour-ruled council and has been in post for more than a decade.

The Scottish Conservatives in Aberdeen said he has stepped down from his role as depute provost.

A police spokesman said: “Police Scotland can confirm a 64-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

“The incident happened in November 2018 at Trinity Hall, Holburn Street, Aberdeen, and was reported to police in January 2019, when an investigation began.

“A report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

A Scottish Conservative party spokesman said: “Councillor Donnelly remains suspended from the party pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.”?