MSP cleared over Dunblane warning

David Davidson said his conscience was clear

Conservative MSP David Davidson has been cleared of misconduct after he passed on information about one of his constituents to the police.

During a telephone conversation Robert Bennett threatened to carry out a Dunblane-like atrocity after he lost a custody battle for his daughter.

Mr Bennett reported the MSP to the parliamentary commissioner when he found out, citing breach of trust.

But standards commissioner Dr Jim Dyer has thrown out the complaint.

Mr Davidson, the MSP for North East Scotland, said he was glad to have been cleared and his conscience was clear.

As far as I'm concerned I acted in good faith and did not breach his confidentiality David Davidson MSP

"When Mr Bennett contacted me he raised the issue about a potential Dunblane scenario," he said.

"I was a councillor in Stirling at the time of Dunblane and I could not rest easy in my bed if I thought there was the slightest possibility of a repeat.

"I was concerned about his wellbeing and I asked the local police to check out that he was okay and to take some psychological support with them to assess his situation.

Public interest

"I was acting in the best interests of the individual and the public. As far as I'm concerned I acted in good faith and did not breach his confidentiality. My conscience is quite clear."

Members of the Scottish Parliament's standards committee unanimously backed Dr Dyer.

Brian Adam MSP, the committee convener, said Mr Davidson's actions had been prompted by a desire to protect the public.

He said: "Mr Davidson took time to consider advice from others before deciding his course of action and his concerns known to the police.

"His motivation in doing so was to safeguard the welfare of the complainer and others."

Thomas Hamilton broke into Dunblane Primary School on 13 March, 1996 and opened fire on a class in the gym, killing 16 children and a teacher.