Westminster MPs are set to investigate how political parties are funded in Scotland, following the jailing of former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. The Scottish Affairs Committee confirmed it will launch a probe after SNP and Green MSPs blocked a Holyrood inquiry earlier this year.
The cross-party committee will examine the Electoral Commission’s oversight of the funding and governance of political parties north of the border. Murrell, the estranged husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty to embezzling the funds over more than a decade and was sentenced to five years in prison.
Scots ultras in 'forest fight' with German and French hooligans
A squad of Scots ultras took part in a pre-arranged “forest fight” against hooligans from Germany and France, with images emerging of participants posing in front of a swastika flag. The clash involved members of the Rangers Riot Crew, who faced counterparts linked to FC Hansa Rostock and French side Olympique Lyon following a Watford v Rostock friendly in July.
German authorities were alerted after images appeared online, while Hansa Rostock said it would take action against supporters involved. The incident is the latest in a growing trend of organised “forest fights” involving Scottish football hooligans, with groups linked to Celtic, Hibs, Falkirk and St Mirren previously taking part.
An anti-fascist investigation claimed some of the German participants had links to neo-Nazi groups, while a Scottish source warned that far-right ideology and football violence were becoming increasingly intertwined.
Foster carer freed after 'house of horrors' abuse conviction
Barbara Daniel, 75, has been released from prison just six months after she was convicted of abusing children at a Glasgow “house of horrors”. She and her husband Douglas, 80, were found guilty in January of subjecting six children, aged between four and 14, to cruel and unnatural treatment at their Parkhead home between 1986 and 1991.
The court heard the couple used horrific punishments against the youngsters, including forcing some of them into an animal pen. Both were sentenced to 30 months in prison on March 9, but Barbara has now been freed after successfully appealing her sentence at the Sheriff Appeal Court in Edinburgh.
Coked-up knifeman called cops after getting stuck on 20ft fence
A cocaine-fuelled knifeman called police himself after becoming stranded on top of a 20-foot fence in Coatbridge. Christopher Morley, 32, was found straddling the metal fence at around 7.10am on June 27 after telling cops he was confused about where he was. Officers spotted a large kitchen knife in his trouser pocket and persuaded him to climb down, when he tossed two blades to the ground.
Morley was taken to hospital due to concerns about his health and was found to be under the influence of substances. He became aggressive towards nursing staff and kicked a police officer in the arm as he was being restrained. Morley, who had been made homeless that morning, admitted carrying the knives without reasonable excuse and assaulting the officer.
Police probe vile bomb threats against East Kilbride high school
Police are investigating bomb threats made against a high school in East Kilbride after an anonymous social media account claimed explosives had been planted at the school. A series of messages were posted on X on Monday night, with one stating: “I have planted it. I may not explode it today or I may wait. Time will tell, good luck surviving.” The account also tagged pages linked to Calderglen High School and the surrounding council area.
Specialist officers, including an explosives search dog, carried out thorough searches of the area but found nothing of concern. Police said officers would maintain an increased presence while they investigate the malicious communications.
