A former Scottish panto dame, David McCann, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for embezzling £75,000 from a Paisley charity. McCann, who also performed under the name David Wallace, admitted to stealing the funds from PACE Theatre Company between December 2013 and July 2017 while he was the director and chief executive of the organisation. The arts charity is renowned for launching the careers of famous individuals such as Paolo Nutini, Richard Madden, and James McEvoy.
Prior to his trial at Paisley Sheriff Court, McCann confessed to transferring money from PACE’s bank account to his personal account and using the company credit card for personal expenses. Although prosecutors alleged that he embezzled £108,831, McCann’s guilty plea was accepted for £75,000 by the Crown. Despite reportedly planning to repay the money with the help of loans from friends and family, Sheriff Amel Elfallah deemed imprisonment unavoidable.
Donald Urquhart, chair of PACE Theatre Company’s board, mentioned considering civil action to recover the stolen funds. He stated that the sentencing marked the conclusion of a challenging period, commending the company’s progress and resilience following McCann’s departure. Grant Mason, the chief executive, expressed gratitude towards the staff and board for their dedication during the legal proceedings, highlighting PACE’s growth and ongoing success.
Established in 1998 as a non-profit theatre company, PACE focuses on nurturing young talent through performing arts experiences. With over 1,000 young participants weekly, PACE Youth Theatre stands as the largest of its kind in the UK. The charity produces an annual pantomime at Paisley Arts Centre and other touring productions. The 2024 production of “Aladdin” is set to begin, running until January 2025 at Paisley Arts Centre.
The sentencing of David McCann marks a significant chapter for PACE Theatre Company, signifying closure on a distressing episode while affirming the organisation’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and creative experiences for young people.
Insights: This article sheds light on the unfortunate betrayal and financial misconduct within a renowned charity, underscoring the importance of accountability and ethical conduct in the arts sector. It also highlights the resilience of PACE Theatre Company in overcoming challenges and continuing its mission of fostering young talent in the performing arts. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and vigilance in the management of charitable funds to ensure the sustainability and integrity of organisations dedicated to empowering aspiring artists.