Minister avoids jail after £31,000 theft from elderly trust fund

Ronald Gall, 58, took the money from the Cameron Fund set up to help elderly people in the town of Laurencekirk.

The thefts took place after Gall was named an ex officio trustee in 2011.

Gall told the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator the fund was being wound up with money to be distributed to the beneficiaries, but an investigation found he had also made payments of £31,463 to himself from the trust’s funds.

Once Gall’s theft came to light he was suspended from his position at Laurencekirk Parish Church and Aberluthnott Parish Church in Marykirk.

He admitted the crime at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.

The minister used some of the money to buy a new car and pay off his debts but has since repaid the money in full.

Defence lawyer Gavin Anderson explained to the court that the minister got into financial debt after his youngest son fell ill with head migraines and underwent an operation to relieve pressure on his brain.

When further health issues followed, the minister and his wife decided to seek private medical care.

Mr Anderson added that Gall had been left deeply ashamed of this matter and is deeply embarrassed.