Ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell faces court charged with embezzlement
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Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has appeared in court charged with embezzlement.
Murrell, 60, appeared at a private petition hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday.
He made no plea or declaration and was committed for further examination and bailed.
The charge relates to Police Scotland's long-running Operation Branchform probe into SNP finances.
Murrell is separated from former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, who announced earlier this year that the couple have 'decided to end' their marriage.
In the months after Ms Sturgeon announced her resignation as first minister in February 2023, Murrell was arrested in relation to Operation Branchform.
He was later re-arrested and charged in connection with the alleged embezzlement of party funds.
Ms Sturgeon was also arrested in relation to the same probe, as was former party treasurer Colin Beattie.
They were both released without charge pending further inquiries.
A request from Police Scotland for advice and guidance into the investigation regarding Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie has been responded to, a spokesperson for Scotland's prosecution service said.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) spokesperson said regarding Murrell's court appearance: 'Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel are dealing with this case without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence.
'These matters are 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.'
Addressing the investigation into Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie, the spokesperson added: 'A request from Police Scotland for advice and guidance in an investigation into a 73-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman has been responded to.
'The request was handled as part of a large-scale wider inquiry and without delay on the part of the prosecution service who recognise its significance.
'Where allegations are made against people or institutions in which the public have placed trust, it is the responsibility of the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine if there is evidence that criminal conduct has occurred.
'We understand public curiosity about this investigation. However, the Crown does not publicly share details of confidential inquiries where there are no proceedings in court. This protects the rights of the individuals concerned who are entitled to a presumption of innocence.'
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