An SNP staff member used an investigation into sex pest MP Patrick Grady to launch vile personal attacks on the victim.
The employee smeared the man, who was 19 at the time of the misconduct, as a “fantasist” with a drink problem although there was no evidence to support these claims.
The victim last night blasted the attacks: “If this is true, someone attacked my character, my family, used mental health issues against me and attempted to paint Patrick as the victim.
READ MORE: SNP youth wing calls for review of party's complaints procedure over Patrick Grady sex pest case
“Making up lies as a way to attack me after coming forward with a complaint would cross a line.”
Westminster authorities last week upheld a complaint that Grady had inappropriately touched the man’s back, neck and hair in a London pub in 2016.
However, the SNP leadership at Westminster has been severely criticised for its response to the sexual misconduct claims.
The party imposed a short suspension on the Glasgow North MP, while a leaked recording showed leader Ian Blackford urging colleagues to give Grady “absolute, full” support.
The victim also told the Record that the SNP’s treatment towards him after he made a complaint was worse than Grady’s behaviour.
A summary of a statement provided by an SNP staffer to the Westminster authorities during the investigation reveals a catalogue of slurs aimed at the victim.
The victim was dismissed as a “troubled person” who had engaged in “examples of curious and unsettling behaviour”.
His WhatsApp output was described as “manic” and he was accused of “nursing a sense of grievance on several fronts”.
The staffer’s statement also claimed the victim had a “developing issue with drink, that he was a fantasist who had ‘lost the plot’ and thought the world was against him”.
It was also claimed he had an “over-inflated sense of importance” and was constantly trying to find shortcuts to “greater financial reward”.
The staffer dragged the victim’s family into the investigation by claiming his girlfriend had initially failed parliamentary vetting. His mental health was also commented on.
The comments were made in relation to a Commons probe that focused on the sexual misconduct claims against Grady and other allegations that were not upheld.
The victim, who is still employed by the SNP group at Westminster but is on sick leave, hit back yesterday: “An attempt to discredit a victim of sexual harassment is an out-dated trope used by those who know they are in the wrong and want to protect their friends. The culture of bullying victims who speak out must end.
“I am happy this apparent smear campaign against a victim of sexual harassment failed in the eyes of the Westminster watchdog as they upheld my complaint.”
'Deeply regrets'
It came as SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said he “deeply regrets” that the victim was sexually harassed by Grady.
He said: “As SNP Westminster leader, I have a duty of care to all of our staff. That is why I deeply regret that a member of staff was subject to inappropriate behaviour.
“It was completely unacceptable and should never have happened. I am sorry that it did.”
The SNP has been approached for comment.
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