Nicola Sturgeon’s husband Peter Murrell appears in court charged with embezzlement amid SNP finance probe
NICOLA Sturgeon's husband Peter Murrell has appeared in court today amid the probe into SNP finances.
He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement.
Mr Murrell, the party's former Chief Executive, made no plea and the case was continued.
A spokesperson for COPFS said: “Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel are dealing with this case without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence."
Prosecutors also said they've now responded to a request - received last year - from the police for fresh guidance on the Operation Branchform investigation into former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, 54, and former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, 73.
Both Sturgeon and Beattie were arrested and released without charged in May 2023 pending further inquiries.
The Crown Office spokesperson added: “A request from Police Scotland for advice and guidance in an investigation into a 73-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman has been responded to.
“The request was handled as part of a large-scale wider inquiry and without delay on the part of the prosecution service who recognise its significance.
“Where allegations are made against people or institutions in which the public have placed trust, it is the responsibility of the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine if there is evidence that criminal conduct has occurred.
“We understand public curiosity about this investigation. However, the Crown does not publicly share details of confidential inquiries where there are no proceedings in court.
"This protects the rights of the individuals concerned who are entitled to a presumption of innocence.”
Police Scotland have been approached for comment.
More to follow...
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