Arrest after mannequin registered in Scottish elections

A political activist has been arrested after a mannequin was entered as a candidate in upcoming local council elections.

The dummy, named Helena Torry, was entered as an Aberdeen City Council candidate for the city's Airyhall, Broomhill and Garthdee constituency.

The mannequin's "election agent", Renee Slater, was arrested by police and charged in connection with the incident.

It is believed that Helena was also seized by police from her city townhouse and has been struck from the ballot because she, 'does not exist.'

A police spokeswoman said:

On April 2, Aberdeen City Council published a revised Notice of Poll for the ward, ahead of the election which is due to take place on May 3.

Returning Officer Valerie Watts said:

She added that "those concerned" would be billed for all costs involved in dealing with the matter.

Ms Slater told STV News: