Latest news with #ContemptofCourtAct1981
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Crown Office issues contempt of court warning after Peter Murrell court appearance
THE Crown Office has issued a warning after former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell appeared in court charged with embezzlement. In a post on social media, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) urged people to 'think' before they posted about the criminal trial – warning members of the public they could face jail if they broke the rules. The prosecution service said: 'Those who comment publicly on live criminal cases risk being found in contempt of court. 'If the court makes a finding of contempt, penalties can include fines and imprisonment. The legal proceedings can also be prejudiced. Think before you post.' Contempt of court is a crime and covers a broad range of actions which could be considered to prejudice or interfere with the course of justice in a trial. The Contempt of Court Act 1981 provides for a 'strict liability rule' in the implementation of the law, which it defines as conduct 'tending to interfere with the course of justice in particular legal proceedings regardless of intent to do so'. Speculating about the guilt of someone charged with a crime could result in being charged with contempt of court as could breaking anonymity orders if they have been made. (Image: Newsquest) Murrell (above) appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, where he made no plea and was bailed. His estranged wife Nicola Sturgeon was cleared by police on the same day, as was former party treasurer Colin Beattie, who had previously been arrested as part of Operation Branchform. The police investigation relates to £600,000 raised by the SNP which was earmarked for spending on an independence campaign. READ MORE: In a statement, Police Scotland said on Thursday: 'Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal inquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded. 'The 73-year-old man arrested on April 18, 2023 and the 54-year-old woman arrested on June 11, 2023 have not been charged and are no longer under investigation.' A 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. (Image: PA) '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 Sturgeon and 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.'
The Independent
20-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell faces court charged with embezzlement
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy 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.'
The Independent
20-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell in court as Nicola Sturgeon probe dropped
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has appeared in court charged with embezzlement while a criminal investigation into ex-first minister Nicola Sturgeon and the party's former treasurer Colin Beattie has been dropped. 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 Ms 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 Mr Beattie. They were both released without charge pending further inquiries. In a statement, Police Scotland said on Thursday: 'Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal inquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded. 'The 73-year-old man arrested on April 18, 2023 and the 54-year-old woman arrested on June 11, 2023 have not been charged and are no longer under investigation.' A 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.'
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell faces court charged with embezzlement
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.'
Sky News
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon cleared in police investigation into SNP's finances
Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon is no longer under investigation by Police Scotland amid a probe into the SNP's funding and finances. Meanwhile, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has appeared in court charged with embezzlement Murrell, who is separated from Ms Sturgeon, made no plea to the single charge when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday. The 60-year-old was granted bail with his next court appearance yet to be confirmed. Murrell, who had been SNP chief executive since 1999, resigned in March 2023 amid a row over party numbers. The following month he was arrested amid Police Scotland's long-running Operation Branchform and was subsequently charged a year later with embezzling SNP funds. The probe, which has been ongoing since July 2021, is linked to the spending of around £600,000 raised by SNP supporters to be earmarked for Scottish independence campaigning. Ms Sturgeon and ex-party treasurer MSP Colin Beattie were also arrested and released without charge as part of the investigation. In an update on Thursday, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal enquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded. "The 73-year-old man arrested on 18 April 2023, and the 54-year-old woman arrested on 11 June 2023, have not been charged and are no longer under investigation." The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has warned that the case against Murrell is active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. A spokesperson said: "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." In January, Ms Sturgeon announced she had split from Murrell. The pair, who first met via the SNP in 1988 and became a couple in 2003, married in 2010. The Glasgow Southside MSP announced their separation in a post on Instagram, revealing they had been "separated for some time now" but "still care deeply for each other, and always will". Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
