The former chief executive of HIV Scotland has admitted embezzling £5,000 during his time in post at the now-defunct charity.
Nathan Sparling, aged 35 from Bridgeton, Glasgow, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, where he admitted to embezzling £5,000 between April 2019 and March 2021.
The court heard that about £2,000 was spent on Uber journeys, while a further £3,000 was spent on Amazon packages sent to Sparling’s home, including groceries and other technical goods.
HIV Scotland shut down in 2023 due to a number of significant challenges, including a precarious funding climate and problems maintaining the support of its external stakeholders.
Sparling was initially accused of embezzling a total of £15,984 from the charity during his leadership, but pleaded not guilty to the charge in January.
A warrant for his arrest was issued last year, after he previously failed to arrive in court for trial. He had posted a picture of a suitcase on his Instagram account four days before the trial date, saying he was going abroad.
Sparling’s sentencing has been deferred until 20 May for background reports to be completed.
He has offered to make a repayment of the funds to a similar charity.