Peter Murrell's legal aid withdrawn after embezzlement conviction

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has had his legal aid withdrawn. 1 2 Murrell was jailed in June for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party and was sentenced to five years. 2 He had been granted legal aid last year. 2

The Scotsman reported that he was told on 28 July that he would not receive any support with his legal bills. 2 A Scottish Legal Aid Board spokesperson confirmed he is "no longer in receipt of legal aid" but said legislation strictly limits what it can disclose about individual applications. 2 The board has not commented on why the support was withdrawn; its website lists reasons including false information, non-disclosure or missed contributions. 2

At sentencing, the court heard he had more than £600,000 across two pension accounts and could repay the £400,310.65 embezzled. 2 The Herald reported last month that £4,831 of legal aid had been spent on the case, with further payments expected once solicitors' bills arrive. 2 Police Scotland's inquiry began in 2021 over what happened to £667,000 raised for an independence referendum campaign, and uncovered Murrell's purchases, including a £124,500 motorhome. 2