Picture copyright Getty Photos P
Picture copyright
Getty Photos
Derek Mackay won’t face prison fees
Scotland’s former finance secretary, Derek Mackay, won’t face prison fees over tons of of social media messages he despatched to a 16-year-old boy.
Police Scotland stated it had concluded its inquiries and “there may be nothing to counsel that an offence has been dedicated”.
A spokeswoman stated anybody with additional info ought to contact police.
Mr Mackay resigned as finance secretary over the scandal, hours earlier than he was on account of ship the Scottish funds.
It adopted claims, first published in The Scottish Sun in February, that Mr Mackay despatched 270 messages to the boy over a six-month interval on Instagram and Fb.
{The teenager} later told the paper: “I used to be pleased to talk to the police and can inform them every part that occurred.
“I did not suppose what he was doing was a criminal offense, however I knew it was fallacious and must be highlighted.”
The previous finance secretary repeatedly messaged the schoolboy, usually making an attempt to begin a dialog even when the boy didn’t reply.
Mr Mackay, who’s 42, contacted the boy “out of the blue” final August.
The boy informed Mr Mackay he was solely 16, and informed him “to not attempt something”, however Mr Mackay continued to message him.
In a collection of exchanges, the transcripts of which were published by The Scottish Sun, he informed the schoolboy that he was “cute”, in addition to inviting him to dinner and to attend a rugby occasion.
Apologised ‘unreservedly’
The newspaper additionally reported that Mr Mackay contacted the boy a number of occasions on Christmas Day, and informed him on one other event that he was “trying good with that new haircut”.
After the messages turned public, Mr Mackay resigned from his put up and launched a press release apologising “unreservedly” to the boy and his household.
He added that he had “behaved foolishly” and took full accountability for his actions.
Nicola Sturgeon later confirmed that he had been suspended by the SNP whereas additional investigations are carried out.
Mr Mackay has not been seen in Holyrood since The Scottish Solar story was revealed.
A spokesman for the SNP stated: “We perceive Derek Mackay is at present beneath medical supervision. He stays suspended from the SNP.”