The former chief executive of a youth facility in Montrose has denied embezzling almost £35,000 over six years.
Richard Murray, 54, of Kirriemuir was not present at Forfar Sheriff Court where his case called on Tuesday and will face trail later this year.
A letter pleading not guilty was submitted in relation to a single charge that between April 1 2008 and July 31 2014, at Rossie, his Kirriemuir home and elsewhere unknown Murray, while Chief Executive Office of Rossie Young Peoples Trust, embezzled £34,495.
Murray, of Courthillock Gardens, Kirriemuir had trial set for June, with an intermediate diet in the case scheduled for early May.
Rossie, which sits south of Montrose, provides secure and residential care for young people from across Scotland.
The award-winning facility’s website states:”Rossie Young People’s Trust provides very good education and care for troubled young people.
“It has achieved outstanding success in intervening in many young people’s lives and having a positive impact.
“Education and care staff develop and maintain very good relationships with young people, many of whom are only in the service for relatively short times.
“We take an holistic approach to helping young people address the issues which brought them to a secure living environment.
The secure unit campus includes three ‘houses’, each capable of accommodating six young people in their own en-suite bedsit.
In its last published Care Inspectorate report. Rossie was praised for the “impact of strong nurturing relationships between education and care staff and young people.
Inspectors also highlighted the facility’s “leadership of education” and the opportunities available to develop young people’s skills for life and work.
Rossie’s current chief executive is Mary Geaney.
