Peter Murrell jailed for five years after embezzling more than £400,000 from SNP

Murrell, the estranged husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, stole £400,315.65 over a 12-year period. The money was used to fund a range of personal purchases, including a luxury motorhome, a Jaguar SUV, Montblanc pens, luxury watches, Lalique salt and pepper grinders – and 2kg of coffee granules.

The court heard that Murrell concealed the thefts by entering false accounting codes in SNP accounts and submitting falsified invoices.

A proceeds of crime hearing has been scheduled in Edinburgh for 14 September to determine the amount he will be required to repay. The sum has not yet been disclosed and will be calculated using a number of factors, including inflation.

During the sentencing hearing, Lord Young sought confirmation that the funds involved were under Murrell’s sole control. Counsel for Murrell, John Scullion KC, confirmed that they were. It is understood that Murrell intends to repay the money.

Following sentencing, Lord Advocate Ruth Charteris KC, praised the work of police and prosecutors in what she described as a lengthy and high-profile investigation conducted under significant scrutiny. She noted that more than 500 witness statements had been taken during the inquiry.

John Logue, chief executive of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said public interest in the case was understandable but stressed that investigators and prosecutors had to be allowed to complete their work without interference.

“It would not have been appropriate to comment in detail while the criminal investigation and court proceedings were ongoing,” he said.

“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.”