Sex assault former Aberdeen depute provost to pay compensation

Alan Donnelly

Alan Donnelly was found guilty in December

The former depute provost of Aberdeen is to pay compensation after being found guilty of sexual assault.

Former Conservative Alan Donnelly had denied kissing and touching a man who was working at an event in the city.

A three-day trial heard one of the victim's supervisors say he was "trembling and shaking" when he reported the incident to her.

Donnelly was ordered to pay £800 and will be under supervision of the social work department for eight months.

After being found guilty of sexual assault in December, the 65-year-old was placed on the sex offenders register, resigned from the Scottish Conservatives, and was removed from all council committees.

There have also been calls for Donnelly's resignation as a councillor.

Speaking outside court, he said: "I have got a lot of options to take and consider now.

"It's been a very challenging 15 months for me and I'm going to take some more advice and leave all options open."

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The victim - who cannot be named for legal reasons - said Donnelly approached him, made comments about him being good-looking, and asked him questions about where he was from.

'Face up' to actions

A witness told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that her co-worker said he had felt like he was "sexually abused".

Defence lawyer David Sutherland said his client's position was simply that the allegations did not take place, and denied any impropriety.

However, Sheriff Ian Wallace described the evidence as "overwhelming", and was satisfied the contact was sexual.

Sentencing, Sheriff Wallace said Donnelly's actions were "entirely inappropriate".

'Consider his position'

He said the supervision order should help him "face up" to his actions.

Donnelly was previously part of the ruling Conservative, Labour and independent administration.

The political make-up of the council is expected to be discussed at a meeting of the full council in March.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader and Conservative Douglas Lumsden said: "I think he should really consider his position. He's no longer part of the administration."

SNP group leader Alex Nicoll said: "I think the only option that's now open is for him to do the right thing and resign."

Lib Dem group leader Ian Yuill said: "Councillor Donnelly should have resigned as a councillor on the day he was convicted."

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