Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive who pleaded guilty to embezzling over £400,000 from the party, has been transferred to HMP Dumfries after enduring relentless harassment at Edinburgh's Saughton prison. The move comes as Murrell awaits sentencing later this month for a crime spree that spanned twelve years.
Murrell's prison transfer
Reports indicate that Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was moved from HMP Edinburgh in recent days. The Wings over Scotland website first reported his new location at the Dumfries facility, which is considered less austere than Saughton.
A source told the Scottish Sun: "He is getting dog's abuse 24/7. It appears that the grim reality of prison is very different to how he thought it would be. He should have taken up the offer of being kept separate from normal cons. Now he can't wait to get moved to another nick. A lot of the taunts are about his wife, which isn't nice."
Challenges of prison life
The source added: "Being in jail is tough for anyone, no matter what people might think. But for someone like Murrell, who has been used to a very comfortable life outside, it will be a nightmare." Murrell is expected to receive a jail sentence after admitting to stealing over £400,000 from the SNP between 2010 and 2022.
Other sources have claimed that Sturgeon, who has publicly spoken of her betrayal at his crimes, has no plans to visit him while he is incarcerated. Murrell remains on remand as he awaits his sentencing hearing later this month.
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