Prosecutors have denied removing thousands of pounds worth of purchases from Peter Murrell's indictment to spare Nicola Sturgeon embarrassment. More than 700 items worth almost £59,000, including make-up, women's clothing, hair products and fitness gear, were dropped from the charge sheet as part of a plea agreement before the former SNP chief executive admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds.
Crown Office Responds to Allegations
The Crown Office was forced to deny claims made by campaigner Sean Clerkin that the deleted items were intended to shield Murrell's estranged wife, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. The Crown insisted the plea was accepted to secure a conviction without the need for a lengthy and costly trial.
Woman Mowed Down in Attempted Murder
Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after a 49-year-old woman was deliberately struck by a car in broad daylight in Linwood, Renfrewshire. The incident occurred on Clippens Road at around 3.45pm on Tuesday when a white Vauxhall Corsa mounted the pavement, hitting the woman at a bus stop before speeding away. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
Gangland Figure Targeted by IRA
Former boxing promoter Mario Rea, jailed for his role in Robert 'Birdman' O'Hara's drugs empire, was once the target of an alleged IRA assassination plot. Rea, 47, was sentenced to six years in prison last week. He had previously received an Osman warning after intelligence suggested Real IRA-linked gunmen had travelled to Scotland to kill him over a tobacco deal dispute.
Man Arrested After Livingston Stabbing
A 31-year-old man has been arrested after a 62-year-old was seriously assaulted in Livingston. Emergency services were called to Howden Road West on Tuesday evening where the victim was found with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the incident, and police cordoned off homes in the Ladywell area as part of ongoing enquiries.
Teen Murder Accused Claims Self-Defence
A 16-year-old accused of murdering 15-year-old Amen Teklay has told the High Court in Glasgow he believed the victim was about to stab his friend when he struck him with a sword. The boy admitted stabbing Amen but insisted he acted to protect his co-accused, fearing the teenager was about to launch an attack. The trial continues.
