Former HIV Scotland CEO Ordered to Repay Embezzled Funds
The former chief executive of HIV Scotland has been directed to repay £5,000 he embezzled from the charity to a similar organisation.
Nathan Sparling, 35, misappropriated £5,000 of the charity's funds on Amazon deliveries and Uber rides during his tenure from 2019 to 2021.
During a previous hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Sparling offered to reimburse the amount to another organisation after HIV Scotland ceased operations in 2023.
Sheriff John Cook ruled that the £5,000 compensation should be paid to Waverley Care, an organisation supporting individuals living with HIV, and also ordered Sparling to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.
Sparling, from Bridgeton, Glasgow, who also served as an adviser to an SNP MP, stated he currently works in hospitality after leaving HIV Scotland in December 2020.
He failed to attend a prior hearing regarding the charge in October 2025.
Details of the Embezzlement
In April, the court was informed that Sparling was authorised to make purchases up to £50 using HIV Scotland funds for charitable purposes, but any expenditure exceeding that amount required approval from another staff member.
He was suspended after a colleague noticed multiple taxi journeys charged to the charity's account.
An investigation revealed approximately £2,000 was spent on Uber rides, while an additional £3,000 was used for Amazon orders, including groceries and technical goods delivered to Sparling's residence.
HIV Scotland closed in March 2023, citing funding difficulties and board member resignations among the reasons.
Sentencing and Reactions
Sentencing Sparling, Sheriff Cook described his actions as a "breach of trust".
The sheriff noted that Waverley Care shared "similar objectives" with HIV Scotland and had agreed to accept the repayment from Sparling.
Faith Currie, procurator fiscal for Edinburgh, Lothian and Borders, stated:
"Nathan Sparling committed an egregious breach of trust.
He flagrantly took advantage of his position as a senior figure at HIV Scotland to embezzle public money from his employers.
He showed no regard for the impact his crimes would have on those trying to run an important charity, as well as those who depend upon its work."
