Ex-HIV charity boss fails to attend embezzlement court case

Nathan Sparling was previous chief executuve of HIV Scotland

A former chief executive of HIV Scotland who is accused of embezzling funds from the charity has failed to arrive in court for trial.

Nathan Sparling was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday charged with embezzling £15,984.60 from the now-defunct charity between 2019 and 2021 but did not turn up.

Sheriff Matthew Auchincloss granted a motion put forward by the Crown Office to issue a warrant for his arrest.

Mr Sparling, of Bridgeton, Glasgow, previously pled not guilty to the charge.

HIV Scotland shut down in May 2023 due to a "number of significant challenges," including losing a large number of trustees.

It was registered as a charity in 2003 with the aim of educating the public about the health of those diagnosed with HIV and related conditions.

Mr Sparling previously worked as a campaign manager with the SNP and is currently a director with a number of companies.

Prosecutor Mark Keane told the court Mr Sparling's defence agent was no longer representing him on the basis that he had "not been paid" and the defendant had failed to contact him.

Sheriff Auchincloss granted Mr Keane's request for a non-appearance warrant for his arrest.