A solicitor told the policeman leading a Rangers fraud probe to “STOP STOP STOP” investigating seized documents relating to Craig Whyte’s business dealings.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Robertson, 53, told a court yesterday how he and his colleagues seized information during a search of the offices of Holman Fenwick Wilan in London.
The Court of Session heard DCI Robertson and City of London Police officers went to the law firm’s offices in December 2015.
The company had been instructed to act for Duff & Phelps, a financial services firm involved in Whyte’s takeover of Rangers.
The law firm got an injunction from an English court which prevented the police from examining the files they seized.
The lawyers said it was protected and could only be studied if the police got either a court order or the consent of the law firm.
Advocate Andrew Smith QC showed DCI Robertson an email sent to him by Police Scotland legal chief Duncan Campbell.
It said: “From a very quick read through of the order, this is a STOP STOP STOP for us. Jim and his colleagues should do nothing.”
DCI Robertson was giving evidence for the second day at an action brought by David Grier.
Mr Grier – who works for Duff & Phelps – is suing the Lord Advocate and Police Scotland saying prosecutors had no evidence to justify him being arrested and charged.
He is seeking £7million in damages. The Crown Office and police are contesting the action.
The hearing continues.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
