SNP treasurer Colin Beattie released without charge amid party finances probe as he’s spotted returning home
SNP TREASURER Colin Beattie has been released without charge following his arrest this morning amid a probe into the SNP’s finances.
Cops confirmed the MSP for the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency had been nicked in connection with the ongoing investigation earlier today.
It’s understood Mr Beattie was arrested at his home in Dalkeith, Midlothian, around 8am this morning.
He was questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
Cops later confirmed that the 71-year-old has been released without charge pending further investigation.
Beattie arrived back home just after 8pm after being released without charge.
He declined to comment on his arrest and was accompanied into his home by two detectives.
A short while later two more cops attended and entered his plush pad with a large black bag.
After half an hour or so they came out of his home and the bag appeared to be full of items. Shortly after that the remaining detectives left his home.
They said a report will be sent to the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal.
It comes just days after Mr Beattie told the National Executive Committee (NEC) the party was “having difficulty in balancing the books due to the reduction in membership and donors”.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: ” A 71-year-old man who was arrested earlier today, Tuesday, 18 April 2023, as a suspect in connection with the ongoing investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party, has been released without charge pending further investigation.
“The man was questioned by Police Scotland detectives.
“A report will be sent to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
“The matter remains active for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and the public are therefore advised to exercise caution if discussing it on social media.”
“As the investigation is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”
More to follow.
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