Achi news desk-
Earlier this year Mr Murrell, Ms Sturgeon’s husband, was re-arrested and charged in connection with the theft of party funds.
The Police statement said: “Police Scotland has today submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to a 59-year-old man who was charged on 18 April 2024 in connection with a robbery money. by the Scottish National Party.
“Investigations are ongoing and we cannot comment further.”
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service have received a standard prosecution report from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents which are said to have taken place between 2016. and 2023.
“Related investigations into two other individuals, a 72-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, are ongoing.
“Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel will review this report.
“They will make decisions on the next steps without involving the Lord Advocate or the Solicitor General.
“All prosecutors in Scotland operate independently of political influence.
“Before deciding what steps to take, if any, in the public interest, prosecutors will consider whether there is enough evidence.
“There must be evidence from at least two different sources to establish that a crime has been committed and that the person under investigation was the perpetrator.
“This evaluation will include a thorough examination of the many witness statements and the extensive evidence gathered by the police.
“Prosecutors can instruct the police to carry out further investigations before making a decision.
“Decisions on how to proceed are made by prosecutors who act independently and are based on the available evidence, the legal principles, and the merits of each case.
“They are not influenced by political events.
“When making a decision, prosecutors will consider all the specific facts and circumstances of a case.
“The criteria for making decisions and the range of options available to prosecutors are set out in the Public Prosecution Code.”
More to follow…
