Larbert Councillor won't face prosecution over theft allegation

A councillor arrested after an allegation he tried to steal from a store will not have to appear in court.
Councillor Carleschi was accused of stealing from Asda in Stenhousemuir. Picture: John DevlinCouncillor Carleschi was accused of stealing from Asda in Stenhousemuir. Picture: John Devlin
Councillor Carleschi was accused of stealing from Asda in Stenhousemuir. Picture: John Devlin

Steven Carleschi was stopped by security staff at the Asda supermarket in Stenhousemuir on January 7 and police were called.

After being interviewed by officers a report was submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

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It has now been confirmed Mr Carleschi, the SNP member of Falkirk Council for the Carse, Kinnaird and Tryst Ward, will not face prosecution.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office said: “After full and careful consideration of all the facts and circumstances, the case was dealt with by way of an offer to the accused of an alternative.”

Alternatives under ‘direct measures’ guidelines after the Procurator Fiscal has taken into account all relevant facts and circumstances and decided prosecution may not be the most appropriate course of action include:

* Offenders being given a warning by the Procurator Fiscal;

* given the option of paying a fine;

* given the option of paying compensation;

* offered the chance of referral for specialist support or treatment.

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This way the accused avoids a criminal conviction, members of the public are spared the inconvenience of attending as witnesses and courts are freed up to spend more time dealing with more serious cases.

Mr Carleschi (30), a dad of three from McLachlan Street, Stenhousemuir, resigned from the SNP after the incident but has now been re-admitted to the SNP Group.