Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted to embezzling £400,310.65 from the political party at the High Court in Edinburgh. Murrell pleaded guilty to the charges when he appeared in court on Monday morning.
The 62-year-old, who is Nicola Sturgeon’s estranged husband, was charged with embezzling the funds from the party between August 2010 and October 2022. He arrived at the High Court on Monday wearing a black suit with a black tie.
The court heard that Murrell misappropriated the money over a 12-year period, during which he served as the SNP's chief executive. The embezzlement came to light following an internal investigation by the party, which subsequently referred the matter to the police.
Murrell's guilty plea marks a significant development in a case that has cast a shadow over Scottish politics. Nicola Sturgeon, who served as First Minister of Scotland for nearly a decade, has not commented publicly on her estranged husband's plea. The couple separated in 2023 amid the ongoing investigation.
Sentencing is expected to take place at a later date, with Murrell likely facing a substantial prison term. The Crown Office confirmed that it will seek a confiscation order to recover the embezzled funds.
More to follow.
