THE CHAIRMAN of a Government-backed group for ethnic minorities is facing jail after admitting syphoning money from the publicly-funded body in Dunfermline.

Charles Chingwalu (50), embezzled £2400 while acting in his capacity of chairperson of The Ethnic Minority Civic Congress Group.

It was originally alleged that he had taken a total of £6854 but at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday (Thursday) his plea of guilty to the lesser sum was accepted. The money was embezzled between 17th May 2012 and 31st January 2013 at the office of The Ethnic Minority Civic Congress, in Old Mill Court, Dunfermline.

Chingwalu's address was also given as Old Mill Court.

Sheriff Charlie Macnair called for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment. He deferred sentence until 18th February.

He said, "Clearly reports are going to be needed."

The Crown is expected to narrate the facts of the case at the deferred sentence date, when Chingwalu's defence will give mitigation.

According to its website, the Ethnic Minority Civic Congress (EMCC) is "a membership platform for ethnic minority (EM) community representatives in Scotland".

The Congress "meets regularly to discuss topical issues affecting EM communities and engages with key stakeholders in the Scottish Government, Scottish Parliament and other public bodies contributing to decision making processes and policies".

It is funded by The National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.