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Peter Murrell’s Legal Aid Withdrawn by Funding Body
The board said it can stop funding when applicants fail to provide required information or give false financial details.
The Scottish Legal Aid Board has withdrawn funding for former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who was jailed earlier this year for embezzling more than £400,000 from the party.
Officials granted Murrell legal aid in April last year, but public scrutiny intensified after revelations about his financial assets emerged, prompting questions about taxpayer support for his defense.
Proceeds-of-Crime proceedings revealed Murrell held pension assets worth approximately £613,000 and an £83,000 share in his former marital home, substantiating concerns about his eligibility.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay criticized the decision, stating: "This affluent crook, along with Scotland's wealthy organised criminals, shouldn't get a single penny of taxpayers' money to pay their lawyers."
Justice Secretary Neil Gray announced a review of the Lord Advocate's role on Tuesday, examining whether current arrangements for the office remain appropriate for Scotland's justice system.