Ross-shire councillor hits out over ‘trial by social media’ as case against her is dropped
A VETERAN Ross-shire councillor who has endured “extremely stressful” months with a court case hanging over her has reacted to today’s ruling.
Councillor Maxine Smith was accused of faking disabled parking blue badges so drivers of tour buses owned by her could use the restricted spaces.
Earlier this week she learned that the case has been dropped.
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The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal's Service have confirmed that Cllr Smith (64), of Calrichie Cottages, Invergordon, who represents Cromarty Firth on Highland Council, is not being pursued at Inverness Sheriff Court.
A Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service spokesperson said: “It is the duty of the Crown to keep cases under review, and following full and careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, including the available admissible evidence, the Procurator Fiscal decided that there should be no further criminal proceedings at this time.
"The Crown reserves the right to proceed in the future should further evidence become available."
Cllr Smith said afterwards: “It’s a huge relief this is over as people see a headline and assume you did something wrong when often that’s not the case.
“These proceedings were brought by the Highland Council against me not the police.
“The prosecution looked deeper into it and decided to desert the case. I’m thankful that they did investigate further before proceeding to trial.
“I’m grateful to them and my lawyer who’s supported me every step of the way.
“This has hung over me for nearly a year and it’s been extremely stressful. It’s made me realise what people who are innocent have to go through and often it’s trial by social media these days.
“I’m now having to watch the nasty comments people are writing about me on Facebook. It’s very unfair and I feel for others who are put in this awful position.
“I hope to now draw a line under it and get on with my work.”
The charge against the councillor stated that on April 3, 2019 and November 30, 2022 at Outram Street, Invergordon, she uttered as genuine to employees of the council, a blue badge which had been altered without the authority of the local authority.
It also alleged that a previous badge had been photocopied and laminated and the badges were left on display without her being present, allowing the drivers of tour buses owned by her to obtain use of restricted parking.
