A TRUSTED golf association treasurer stole £45,000 after falling victim to an overseas investment scam.
Tom Logan, 77, embezzled the funds while operating in his role for the Lanarkshire Golf Association.
The disgraced former golf club captain helped himself to funds over an 11-month period in an apparent attempt to replace personal savings he lost in an American stocks fraud.
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Logan, of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, pled guilty at Airdrie Sheriff Court to stealing from ripping off the Lanarkshire Golf Association between April 2011 and March the following year.
He had been the long-standing treasurer of the association and had previously held other roles for the prestigious sporting body that represents 37 clubs across Lanarkshire.
Speaking at his home, Logan said: “Of course, I’m still confident of getting the money back. It’s just that we have had a few problems.
“At the moment it is being held up by the New York State Department, but hopefully not for much longer.”
Prosecutor Gordon Crawford told the court that Logan had been a pillar of the community until his crimes came to light.
He revealed Logan had been treasurer for several years, but a system of checks and balances into his role had fallen by the wayside.
Mr Crawford said “He is a married man who, until now, has led an unblemished life.
“It appears Logan invested significant sums of money into investments in America.
“My impression and information is that he fell victim to a stocks fraud, although Logan does not accept that.
“To recoup the lost monies, he withdrew six cheques from the Lanarkshire GA to a value of £45,000. There was no attempt of concealment. He fully expects to be able to have the money repaid to him from America and remains under that delusion.
“It is a particularly sad case for a man of his age to come before the courts on such a serious offence.”
Elspeth Forrest, defending, said Logan continued to insist he was in touch with business contacts in America in the belief he was soon to receive cash.
Golf sources said Logan’s conviction had stunned members of the association. One said: “This is a huge fall from grace. Tom was heavily involved in the group and no-one can quite believe this has happened.
“He was well respected and had held senior positions within the association for long time periods and was seen as beyond reproach. He was often the person representing the association across Scotland and would regularly be the man who would give out awards to youngsters and players. If he is sent to prison it will be catastrophic for him and his family and a shameful thing to happen to a man of that age.”
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Sheriff Morag Galbraith told Logan he had committed a gross breach of trust and deferred sentence until January 4 after calling for background reports.
Lanarkshire Golf Association represents golf clubs from all over the area including Drumpellier Golf Club, where Logan has been a lifelong member.
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