Peter Murrell Faces Embezzlement Charge in Preliminary Court Hearing

Murrell, 61, faces one count of embezzlement. Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell will return to court next month for a preliminary hearing, prosecutors announced today. The 61-year-old was charged in April 2024 following a long-running Police Scotland investigation - Operation Branchform - into the party's finances Murrell is charged with one count of embezzlement and made no plea or declaration after making an initial appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in March last year. The estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon now faces a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Glasgow on February 20. Murrell was chief executive of the SNP for more than 20 years until he dramatically resigned in 2023 following a row over the party's declining membership numbers. A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: "Scotland’s prosecutors act independently and in the public interest in all cases. COPFS understand there is significant interest in this matter which is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. "The provisions of this Act protect the integrity of proceedings, preserve access to justice for victims and secure the rights of people accused of crime. "Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused. Contempt of Court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. "The Lord Advocate and Solicitor General were not involved in decisions on this case." READ MORE : John Swinney warns Donald Trump against 'economic threats' that could 'undermine' ScotlandREAD MORE : John Swinney blasted for spending public money to block publication of Alex Salmond files The suburban detached house shared by Murrell with Sturgeon on the eastern edge of Glasgow was the subject of a dramatic two-day search by Police Scotland officers in April 2023. Sturgeon repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and was informed by police in March last year she was no longer under investigation. At the time, Sturgeon said: "I don't think there was ever a scrap of evidence that I had done anything wrong." In January 2025, the former first minister announced she and Murrell had "decided to end" their marriage. The Record previously revealed how taxpayers are set to foot the bill for Murrell’s legal costs. Solicitors acting for the ex-CEO had an application for legal aid approved last year. According to the Scottish Legal Aid Board, an application for solemn legal aid by his solicitors was granted on April 30, 2025, and no payments have been made to date. A spokesperson for the SLAB previously said: “When assessing an applicant’s eligibility for legal aid we look at their financial position at the time of their application to ensure they meet tests set by legal aid legislation. “This includes information they give us about their salary, the amount of money they have in the bank and any investments, which might be available to fund their own defence privately. “Peter Murrell’s application met the tests we have to apply when deciding whether to grant legal aid.”