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.

An SNP spokesperson said: “The Scottish National Party welcomes the sentencing of Peter Murrell today for embezzling hundreds of thousands of pounds from us. 

“As chief executive, Peter Murrell was placed in a position of significant trust by the SNP, and he breached that trust in the most appalling manner.

“While Peter Murrell’s sentencing does offer significant closure for SNP members, we are still seeking recovery of the money he embezzled to allow us to spend it on the purposes for which our dedicated donors intended.

“Under the leadership of John Swinney, the party has undergone significant reform of its governance procedures. The SNP is in a healthy financial position and – as we saw in last month’s election – that is enabling us to campaign to improve the lives of the people of Scotland, and win our nation’s independence.”

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.”