Parkinson's disease sufferer may have been affected by medication

George McIntosh, former NE District

secretary and Newmachar financial

convener, admits embezzling £67,000

George McIntosh, former secretary and treasurer of the North-east District Association of the Scottish Golf Union and past secretary and more recently financial convener of Newmachar Golf Club, has pleaded guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to embezzling more than a combined £67,000 from both concerns.

McIntosh, 53, pictured by Cal Carson Golf Agency, originally from Braemar but who now lives at Inverurie, took £20,000 from the North-east District Association accounts between December 6, 2002 and May 8, 2007.

He also admitted embezzling £47,973 at Newmachar Golf Club beween May 22, 2007 and July 16, 2007.

Defence advocate David Moggach said McIntosh was suffering from Parkinson's disease and his criminal behaviour could be attributed to the medication he was taking.

Mr Moggach said in court: "Mr McIntosh was taking particular drugs and medication. In a medical report in regards to McMcIntosh, there is a document concerning the effects of his medication and how it gives rise to compulise behaviour.

"Mr McIntosh's behaviour seems to have begun at the same time he was prescribed these drugs. The side effects are impulsive behaviour and compulsive generosity. Although he has pleaded guilty, there may be a very strong link between the medication he was given to treat his illness and the onset of his criminal behaviour and change in character."

Fiscal deputy Felicity Primrose said the Crown would be asking McIntosh to forfeit £6,728 in relation to the charges.

Sheriff Colin Harris deferred sentence for six weeks for the preparation of reports. McIntosh's case will be called in in March.

Scottish Golf Union chief executive Hamish Grey commented later:

"This has been a very unfortunate situation for the North-east District Association. The Scottish Golf Union has offered its full support and guidance to the association throughout, including the creation and implementation of best practice procedures, meaning such an incident should not happen again, either in the North-east or within any of our 15 other area associatons.

"The North-east Distict Associaton will continue to move on from the incident and deliver the important services they provide for members' clubs and golfers in the area with the full support of the SGU."

Newmachar Golf Club refused to comment.