Police gathered ‘compelling evidence’ against Peter Murrell, Chief Constable says

‘Compelling’ evidence obtained by Police Scotland helped secure former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell’s embezzlement conviction, the Chief Constable said (Jane Barlow/PA) -

Scotland’s police chief has praised the officers who carried out the Operation Branchform investigation into SNP finances, saying they gathered “compelling evidence” against Nicola Sturgeon’s former husband Peter Murrell.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said the investigators “worked under intense scrutiny” in a case with “significant public interest”.

Murrell, 61, admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP over 12 years, during which time he was chief executive of the party.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell paid tribute to the officers involved in the Operation Branchform investigation. (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Ms Farrell thanked Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston, who led the “complex” Branchform inquiry, as well as other senior officers in the investigation and Police Scotland’s financial crime unit.

Speaking at a Scottish Police Authority meeting on Thursday, the Chief Constable said: “Their efforts led to this week’s guilty plea by Peter Murrell, who abused his position to divert SNP funds to his own account to fund luxuries.

“I would pay tribute to the integrity and skill of Stuart and the investigation team, who went about their work methodically and professionally in the midst of significant commentary.”