Murrell pled guilty to embezzling funds from the Scottish National Party while he was chief executive. Further information on the process followed in this case is now available, providing context on the scale and handling of the investigation and subsequent court proceedings.
The evidential assessment involved more than 500 witness statements alongside extensive documentary and digital material, reflecting the complexity of the case. The indictment was served well in advance of the applicable statutory time limits, demonstrating that decisions on when to bring the case were taken based on the circumstances of the evidence and the case itself, rather than by reference to external factors.
Further detail on the process followed is set out in accompanying materials.
The Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris KC said:
“I played no part in the investigation or prosecution of this case. Now that proceedings have concluded, I want to acknowledge what has been a lengthy and high-profile case conducted under significant scrutiny.
“In Scotland, criminal investigations and prosecutions are carried out according to established legal procedures. In this case decisions were taken independently by those responsible for them, and the matter has been resolved in court.
“I am grateful to Police Scotland for their investigation and wish to recognise the work of the professional prosecutors from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and Crown Counsel, who have carried out their work with integrity and diligence.”
John Logue, who is Crown Agent and chief executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scotland’s independent public prosecution service, said:
“I recognise the significant public and media interest in this case. It is understandable that people wanted more information at earlier stages, but it would not have been appropriate to comment in detail while the criminal investigation and court proceedings were ongoing.
“As in all cases, prosecutors had to protect the investigation and act fairly to everyone involved. Criminal cases require careful, evidence-led preparation and decisions reached through normal legal processes.
“The indictment in this case was served well in advance of the applicable statutory time limits. Decisions about the case were taken independently by prosecutors and Crown Counsel, applying the law to the evidence, and not by reference to political interests.”
Note to editors
- Under the time-bar regime applying when Peter Murrell was placed on petition, the Crown had until July 2026 to indict the case. In this case, the indictment was served on 19 January 2026
- There were 516 witness statements.
- Peter Murrell prosecution briefing | COPFS
- Peter Murrell agreed narrative | COPFS