A man embezzled £60,000 from a charity he set up with the supposed intention of helping wounded veterans.

James Reilly launched Tayforth Veterans Project in Dundee in 2011 but started scamming thousands of pounds from the donations just a few months later.

Reilly was project manager and trustee of the charity, which had the stated aim of supporting former service personnel with mental health, housing, employment, training and benefit issues.

He was also entrusted with the safekeeping of the money earned.

The 66-year-old from Main Street, Balmullo, Fife, abused that trust to embezzle £60,000.

A group of veterans, some wearing their medals and berets, watched on in Dundee Sheriff Court on Thursday as Reilly pleaded guilty to stealing the money between February 2012 and October 2013.

Sheriff Alastair Brown released Reilly on bail and deferred sentence until next month for social work background reports.

Former marine Stuart Lavery, chairman of the 45 Commando Veterans group, said Reilly, who also claimed to be a former marine, was a fraud and "not entitled to wear the green beret".

Mr Lavery said about Reilly: "He is a Walter Mitty character, he claims to have been in the marines and to have served with the SBS (Special Boat Service) but it isn't true.

"We gave him thousands of pounds over the years, he always wanted it in cash and would never take a cheque."

Reilly refused to comment as he left the court with a police escort.