Former SNP candidate accused of sex offences
PA MediaA former SNP election candidate is being investigated by police over a report of sex offences.
Fife councillor Stefan Hoggan was due to stand for the party in North East Fife, but dropped out earlier this month for "personal reasons". He also quit the party.
Police Scotland said it was investigating a report of sexual offences in the Cupar and Edinburgh areas, received this month, and that inquiries were ongoing.
In a social media post, Hoggan said that he would "completely refute" the allegations, alleging they were part of "a vile and disgusting vendetta" against him.
Hoggan - who was a para-athlete before beginning a career in politics - said he was co-operating with police and would make a full statement in due course.
A SNP spokesperson said Hoggan had resigned as a candidate and a SNP member once a complaint was received.
They added: "The SNP advised the complainant that whilst the party would progress a complaint about safeguarding, any alleged criminal behaviour would be rightly a matter for the police.
"Advice and support was offered to the complainant on how to progress a complaint to the police."
Lindsay Thomson, Fife Council's head of legal and democratic services said the local authority had not received any complaints about Hoggan.
She added that the council would "take any safeguarding measures possible" as the police investigation continues.
