Former SNP councillor charged over alleged Islamophobic texts

Categories: Latest News
Wednesday April 06 2016
BBC News reports that a former SNP councillor accused of sending a female Muslim colleague Islamophobic texts following the Paris attacks in November 2015 has been charged.
Craig Melville, 35, was suspended from his post as aide to SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie and was placed under investigation by the Standards Commission in January following a formal complaint by Dundee City Council leader, Ken Guild.
Melville is alleged to have sent a series of text messages to a Muslim party member. Two such text messages stated: “It’s not personal I just f****** hate your religion and I’ll do all in I’m life do defeat your filth.”
“And in your favour we live in an uneducated left lift loopy left wing society who is more interested in claiming benefits and being ignorant to the threat of your horrible disease which is a make believe c*** in the sky. Horrible murdering Islamic c***s.”
Melville is currently facing an internal party investigation by the SNP into the alleged messages. He stood down from his council seat for the Maryfield ward in February stating in his resignation letter: “The pressures of the recent deeply distressing allegations are having an adverse effect on the health of my family and I. Therefore I do not feel that I am currently able to fulfil my duties as councillor for the aforementioned ward and to continue as convener of the environment committee to the best of my abilities.”
BBC News reports that Police Scotland have now charged Melville. A spokesperson for the police service said, “A report will now be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”
BBC News further reports that the commissioner for ethical standards in public life for Scotland has confirmed the separate investigation by the Standards Commission into Mr Melville’s conduct has been dropped.