Alba party general secretary quizzed over SNP finance probe weeks before "rammy"

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A key Alex Salmond ally was involved in an alleged rammy weeks after being interviewed over the SNP finance probe, a court has heard.

Christopher McEleny, who is general secretary of Salmond's Alba Party, went on trial yesterday. He denies trying to kick his way into a flat in Kelly Street, Greenock, Inverclyde, after forcing his way into the close, leaving the close door damaged.He is charged with behaving in a threatening or abusive way and malicious mischief, allegedly committed on September 26, 2021.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard that, just days before, it was reported that ex SNP figure McEleny had been quizzed by cops over "missing SNP funds".Witness Craig Black told Advocate Joe Barr, defending, he was unaware of September 1, 2021, press coverage of McEleny's involvement in the investigation.The 52-year-old independence-supporter, who left the SNP in 2012 or 2013, said he had seen McEleny in the press numerous times over the years.The bank worker also said he was unaware McEleny had been "campaigning at Bute House just before this incident...

due to shipbuilding" in Inverclyde.Mr Barr was referring to McEleny, his dad Jim, who was also a councillor, and Alba depute leader and former SNP stalwart Kenny MacAskill protesting outside Sturgeon’s official residence on September 24, 2021.They went to Bute House demanding shipyard contracts for new ferries be awarded to Port Glasgow shipbuilding firm Ferguson Marine.