FORMER SNP MP Natalie McGarry was released on bail yesterday after appearing in Glasgow Sheriff Court on six charges, including three counts of embezzlement.

McGarry, who appeared under her married name Meikle, also faces two charges of filing inaccurate spending returns from the Scottish independence referendum, and a failure to disclose “encrypted electronic data”.

She made no plea and was released on bail.

The ex-MP for Glasgow East’s charges are in connection with the finances of the Women for Independence (WFI) organisation, and the Glasgow regional association of the SNP.

Police launched an investigation in November 2015 when members of WFI's national executive committee passed on findings from an internal audit showing discrepancies in the group’s accounts, with tens of thousands of pounds unaccounted for.

McGarry did not contest last year’s snap election.