Former Scottish National Party chief executive Peter Murrell has appeared in court charged with embezzlement, while a criminal investigation into former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and ex-party treasurer Colin Beattie has been closed.
Murrell, 60, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday for a closed hearing on the appeal.
He made no statements or confessions, was referred for further examination and released on bail.
The case relates to Police Scotland's long-running Operation Branchform, which targeted the finances of the Scottish National Party.
Murrell split from Ms Sturgeon, who announced earlier this year that the couple had “decided to end” their marriage.
Months after Ms Sturgeon announced her resignation as First Minister in February 2023, Murrell was arrested as part of Operation Branchform.
He was subsequently arrested again and charged with alleged embezzlement of party funds.
Ms Sturgeon and Mr Beattie were also arrested as part of the same investigation.
Both were released without charges pending further investigation.
In a statement on Thursday, Police Scotland said: “Following instructions from the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal investigations into two individuals arrested in connection with the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now been 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 spokesman for the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said of Murrell's appearance in court: “COPFS professional prosecutors and independent lawyers are dealing with this case without interference from the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All prosecutors in Scotland operate independently of political influence.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
