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A former SNP council leader has appeared in court charged with multiple sexual offences.

Jordan Linden, 28, who stood down as leader of North Lanarkshire Council two years ago, is accused of 17 charges, including six charges of sexual assault.

He made no plea during a hearing in private at Dundee Sheriff Court before Sheriff James Williamson and was granted bail.

A date for his next court appearance has yet to be confirmed.

The alleged offences are said to have taken place at a number of locations, including Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, and Dundee.

Mr Linden became a councillor for the Bellshill ward during the 2017 local elections.

He was elected leader of the council in May 2022 but resigned from the post a few weeks later when a newspaper published allegations against him.

He initially continued serving as a councillor but resigned from both the council and the SNP last year.