By Oluwakemi Kindness
Former Scottish National Party (SNP) chief executive, Peter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party.
The 61-year-old showed little reaction as Judge Lord Young handed down the sentence, describing Murrell’s actions as a “significant breach of trust.” He was later led from the courtroom in handcuffs.
The court heard that Murrell abused his senior position within the party to bypass internal financial controls and misappropriate funds between 2010 and 2022.
Prosecutors said he used the money to purchase a range of personal items, including cars, kitchenware, toiletries and a £124,550 motorhome.
The vehicle was seized in 2023 from his mother’s property, where it had reportedly been kept with only four miles on the odometer.
During sentencing, Lord Young noted that Murrell’s role as the party’s chief executive enabled him to “circumvent checks and balances” that should have protected party funds.
The court also heard that sufficient funds are available for Murrell to repay the embezzled amount.
Murrell’s conviction marks a significant development in a case that has attracted widespread attention across Scotland’s political landscape.
