Took thousands for personal gain

A former chief executive of a theatre charity is to be sentended next month for embezzling £75,000from the organisation.

Paisley-based PACE Theatre Company has James McAvoy, Paolo Nutini and Richard Madden among its alumni.

A probe found David McCann, its CEO, had taken £75,000 out its funds for his own gain.

He admitted to transferring the money from PACE’s bank account to his personal bank account and to using the company credit card for personal use.

McCann initially stood trial for embezzling £108,831.80 but his plea of guilty to £75,000 was accepted by the Crown.

Defence agent, Ms Flannigan KC, asked the court for a sentence deferral to allow investigations to be carried out on McCann’s mental health.

PACE was founded in 1988 as a non-profit making theatre company and registered charity specialising in work with young people.

It focuses on developing and nurturing young creative talent through performing arts experiences and runs a Youth Theatre, the largest in the UK with over 1,000 young people attending each week, and produces the annual pantomime at Paisley Arts Centre along with other professional theatre and touring productions.

It also offers rehearsal facilities, equipment and facilities for hire at Spires Studios.

Sheriff Amel Elfallah stated she wasn’t impressed it had taken to a diet of sentencing for mental health problems to be raised but allowed the deferral.

Sentencing was adjourned until next month and McCann had his bail continued.