Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell’s appearance in court on embezzlement charges has been postponed until after the Scottish election.
Mr Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was due to appear at a preliminary hearing at High Court in Glasgow next Friday, 20 February.
It will now take place in Edinburgh on 25 May, 18 days after voters head to polling stations.
Mr Murrell was charged in April 2024 as part of Operation Branchform, an investigation launched in July 2021 into missing SNP funds. He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March last year and was granted bail.
He is accused of embezzling £459,046.49 of party funds.
As part of police enquiries the home of Mr Murrell and Ms Sturgeon was search, as was the SNP’s party headquarters.
The former First Minister and the party’s former treasurer Colin Beattie were arrested, questioned and released in April 2023 and will not face any charges.
Mr Murrell was chief executive of the SNP for more than 20 years until he stood down in 2023.
The couple announced in January last year that they were to divorce.
#Murrell #court #date #delayed #election #Daily #Business