Peter Murrell's legal aid withdrawn after embezzlement conviction
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has had his legal aid withdrawn following his conviction for embezzling over £400,000 from the party. Despite his conviction and sentencing, the Scottish Legal Aid Board has not provided a specific reason for the withdrawal of support.
Why it matters
The case highlights the intersection of high-profile political corruption and the administration of public legal funding in Scotland.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Peter Murrell's lawyer has said he will be able to repay the sum embezzled
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who was jailed in June for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party, has had his legal aid withdrawn.
Murrell, the estranged husband of ex-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was sentenced to five years after using the funds to buy goods ranging from a luxury motorhome to toiletries.
He was granted legal aid - government-funded assistance typically given to people who cannot afford it - last year.
But The Scotsman , external reported Murrell was informed he would not receive any support with his legal bills on 28 July.
Peter Murrell jailed for more than five years for embezzling SNP funds
Published 23 June SNP write-off value of Murrell motorhome in party accounts
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