A self-styled political activist has been accused of sending an SNP councillor “sexually offensive” e-mails repeatedly referring to himself “in a state of undress”.
Alastair Peter Dow, who denies the charge, describes himself as a “republican socialist” who campaigned for the Yes side in the Independence referendum.
The 57-year-old appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday accused of sending a string of emails over six-month period last year.
He faces a single charge, of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards Torry and Ferryhill councillor Catriona Mackenzie.
Court papers state that, between April 29 and October 29 last year, Dow repeatedly sent Miss Mackenzie e-mail where he made “alarming and sexually offensive remarks, and repeatedly referred to himself being in a state of undress”.
He is accused of sending the messages from his home on Hollybank Place, and elsewhere.
Representing himself in court yesterday, Dow denied the allegations and said the case was akin to “taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.
He added: “I am a political activist so I put my points strongly.”
His case was continued until February 5, when a date for the trial is expected to be set.
Miss Mackenzie, who represents the city’s Torry and Ferryhill ward, was elected in last May’s local authority elections.
She also works part-time as a press officer for SNP MSP Kevin Stewart and MP Kirsty Blackman.
