Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting to embezzling over £400,000 from the party. The 61-year-old used the funds for personal purchases, including cars, a motorhome, kitchenware, and toiletries.

Murrell's sentence, which began on May 25 when he was taken into custody, was backdated to that date. He pleaded guilty to the embezzlement charges. The investigation into the SNP's finances began in 2021 following questions about £667,000 raised for a second independence referendum campaign.

During his sentencing hearing, it was revealed that Murrell embezzled £400,310.65 from the Scottish National Party between 2010 and 2022. Police Scotland uncovered the embezzlement while investigating concerns about the referendum funds. Murrell employed methods such as charge cards, bank transfers, and fake invoices to illicitly acquire items including jewellery, cosmetics, stationery, and games consoles.

Judge Lord Young described Murrell's actions as a "calculated crime of dishonesty" but stated he was unable to identify a clear motive for the offending. The judge noted that many of the high-value items purchased were not even used by Murrell, making it difficult to ascertain the reasons behind his actions.

Murrell's lawyer, John Scullion KC, acknowledged that imprisonment was the only appropriate punishment. He indicated that Murrell had acted dishonestly, taken significant steps to hide his crimes, and accepted full responsibility for his actions. Scullion told the court that Murrell expressed guilt and remorse, recognizing the harm caused to the SNP and others, and described his client as overwhelmed by shame and embarrassment.

The former SNP chief executive faced public humiliation and is expected to have a difficult future employment outlook. Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has denied any knowledge of his wrongdoing, stating she was deceived.

Murrell's actions have cast a shadow over the SNP, a party he served in a prominent leadership role for many years. The scale of the embezzlement and the duration over which it occurred highlight a significant breach of trust.

The investigation, which began with concerns about referendum funding, ultimately revealed a deep-seated financial impropriety within the party's administration, leading to Murrell's conviction and sentencing.