Murrell sentenced to five years and three months – Daily Business

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, has been sentenced to five years and three months in prison after admitting embezzlement charges.

The judge Lord Young said he reduced the sentence from seven years because of Murrell’s guilty plea at the preliminary hearing.

Murrell, who was led into the High Court handcuffed to a female security officer, embezzled £400,000 from the party which had been raised by members to fund an independence campaign. Instead he embarked on a personal spending spree.

Passing sentence, Lord Young said Murrell’s actions were “calculated and dishonest” and amounted to a “significant breach of trust”. His position of chief executive meant he was able to “circumvent checks and balances”.

Murrell’s lawyer John Scullion QC said his client had co-operated fully with a social work report following his guilty plea and that it contained positive information on Murrell’s attitude to his offence.

Mr Scullion told the court that Murrell recognised the “measurable psychological, emotional, and financial harm” done to the party.

“The accused is now an individual overwhelmed by feelings of embarrassment and shame,” he added.

The Crown has confirmed that there are sufficient funds for Murrell to repay the embezzled sum and Mr Scullion said Murrell wishes to start repaying it.

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Peter Murrell has been brought to justice for his crimes, although he could be out in just over two years due to weak SNP sentencing policies.

“But the question remains: how did he get away with this brazen and large-scale crime spree for so many years? The hard truth for Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney is that they effectively enabled Murrell.

“By assuring SNP members that the finances were sound, and issuing warnings to those raising valid concerns, they allowed Murrell to think that he was untouchable.

“It was only when Police Scotland were alerted to the missing independence referendum funds that they discovered Murrell’s thefts.

“It’s no wonder that Swinney is so desperate to thwart an inquiry which would examine many issues, including whether public money was stolen.”