Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell admits embezzling party funds

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. Murrell, the estranged husband of the former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh and has been remanded in custody. The 61-year-old used party funds to illicitly purchase luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome. He admitted to embezzling a total of £400,310.65 between 12 August 2010 and 19 October 2022. Murrell, who served as SNP chief executive for more than 20 years, now faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence. He is to be sentenced on 23 June. Murrell was handcuffed before a hushed courtroom and led from the dock. Judge Lord Young said the ex-political heavyweight was responsible for a "gross breach of trust". When details of the charge emerged earlier this year, Murrell was accused of embezzling £459,046.49 between 12 August 2010 and 13 January 2023. However, it was confirmed at the High Court hearing that the total sum had been cut to £400,310.65, with the period of offending also reduced by three months. SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney apologised to party members. He said he was "horrified" by Murrell'