PROSECUTORS are trying to recover £162,000 in proceeds of crime from shamed former MP Natalie McGarry.

The East Renfrewshire woman was jailed for two years at Glasgow Sheriff Court in June after she was found guilty of taking £19,974 while treasurer of the Women for Independence group.

McGarry, 41, also embezzled a further £4,661 while treasurer, secretary and convener of the Glasgow Regional Association of the SNP.

A proceeds of crime hearing was due to take place today but it was postponed due to the appointed sheriff being unavailable.

Pat Campbell, McGarry's lawyer, said: "She is not present, she is presently in custody serving a sentence for the proceedings which underlie this matter.

"There is a joint motion to adjourn and to continue this until January. This is to allow the question of appeals.

"She was allowed to appeal her sentence last Friday and there was a refusal to appeal the conviction at the first sift.

"A fresh prosecution statement was served last night."

The statement says the Crown is seeking to get £162,000 from McGarry, of Clarkston, who served as MP for Glasgow East between 2015 and 2017.

Sheriff Tom Ward continued the matter until January.