A FORMER chief executive who embezzled £5000 from an HIV charity has been ordered to repay the money to a similar organisation.
Nathan Sparling was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work after admitting embezzling the money from HIV Scotland, a charity he previously led which has since wound up.
Last month he admitted embezzling £5000 between April 2019 and March 2021 in Edinburgh and elsewhere while employed as chief executive of HIV Scotland.
He had spent the money on taxi journeys and Amazon deliveries including groceries.
The 35-year-old, who is also a former adviser to an SNP MP, was suspended from his role at HIV Scotland and then replaced.
At Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Sparling appeared for sentencing before Sheriff John Cook.
He was said to have accepted responsibility for his actions and intended to repay the money in full.
Sheriff Cook noted HIV Scotland no longer existed as a charity so would be unable to receive any compensation.
Waverley Care, which supports people living with HIV, was suggested as an alternative charity to receive the money, which the sheriff accepted.
Sheriff Cook told him: “This is a breach of trust, as you were in a position of trust regarding the funding.”
The sheriff said he took reports he had received into account and would proceed with an alternative to a custodial sentence.
He imposed 100 hours of unpaid work, which would have to be completed within 18 months.
Sheriff Cook ordered compensation of £5000 should be paid to Waverley Care, noting “it has similar objectives to the charity of which you were previously chief executive”.
Sparling, who attended court wearing a grey blazer, gave no comment as he left the building.
The Crown Office emphasised the seriousness of Sparling’s offending.
Faith Currie, procurator fiscal for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders, said: “Nathan Sparling committed an egregious breach of trust.
“He flagrantly took advantage of his position as a senior figure at HIV Scotland to embezzle public money from his employers.
“He showed no regard for the impact his crimes would have on those trying to run an important charity, as well as those who depend upon its work.
“This case demonstrates that those who seek to exploit public funds for their own personal gain will be held fully to account for their crimes.
“Embezzlement is not a victimless crime.
“As prosecutors, we are fully committed to tackling financial crime of this kind when it is in the public interest and where there is evidence to do so.”
