Ex-SNP Adviser Embezzled £5k from Charity

Nathan Sparling, a former chief executive of the HIV Scotland charity and ex-adviser to an SNP MP, admitted in Edinburgh Sheriff Court to embezzling £5,000 from the organization. According to multiple sources, he spent the money on Uber rides and Amazon deliveries between April 2019 and March 2021.

Sparling, who was authorized to make purchases up to £50 without additional approval, used charity funds for personal expenses including groceries and technical goods delivered to his home. The embezzlement came to light when a staff member noticed an unusual number of taxi journeys charged to the account.

The 35-year-old from Bridgeton, Glasgow, was suspended from his role after the internal investigation. His lawyer stated that Sparling felt complacent due to his long tenure at the charity and accepted full responsibility for his actions. However, as HIV Scotland has since been wound up, repayment to the original charity is not possible.

Sheriff John Cook deferred sentencing until May 20th to allow for background reports to be completed. Sparling offered to repay the funds to a similar charity instead. The court also heard that the case had taken a significant toll on Sparling's health, including causing anxiety and heart failure.