UKIP MEP David Coburn has refused to say whether he will fire an aide who pled guilty to making sexual phone calls to a string of women he did not know.
Coburn declined to comment on Arthur 'Misty' Thackeray’s employment status several times on the grounds that it was a “live case”.
However, he confirmed that Thackeray had resigned from the party.
Thackeray last week entered a guilty plea at Glasgow Sheriff Court to nine charges of intentionally sending, or directing, “sexual verbal communication” between December 1, 2010 and December 19, 2015. Another charge was considered as a breach of the peace.
The court heard none of the 10 women knew Thackeray or how he got their numbers, but it is believed he took some from posters advertising slimming classes and one from a sales advert in a shop window.
A procurator fiscal depute said a 25-year-old female received a text from Thackeray talking about meeting at a swingers' club.
She called him and he apologised and said he had the wrong number, then sent a message saying: “You sounded really nice on the phone, do you know what I would like to do to you?”
Thackeray used to be chair of UKIP Scotland but vacated the role after he was charged.
However, while he pled guilty and will be sentenced next month, he is still listed as one of Coburn’s “local assistants” on the European Parliament website last week.
Speaking to the Sunday Herald, Coburn declined to answer questions on Thackeray’s role.
Asked if would be sacking him, the MEP said: “I really can’t be talking about it as it is a live case. I have a duty of care.”
On whether Thackeray was still working for him, he said: “I can’t talk about it. As an employer, there are rules and regulations.”
Asked if he would be making a statement after Thackeray’s sentencing, he said: “I really can’t say anything.”
Put to him that Thackeray’s crimes were a clear case of gross misconduct, he said: “I can’t talk about it. It’s still a live legal issue. I don’t think you’d expect me to talk about it.”
Coburn also described the situation as a “tragedy” for the “people involved”.
Alyn Smith, an SNP MEP, said: “This grubby episode reflects badly on Mr Thackeray and we must ensure conduct like this is clearly seen to be inconsistent with public service. I look forward to David’s announcement.”
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