Legal aid withdrawn from former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell

The Scottish Legal Aid Board announced it has ended legal-aid support for Peter Murrell, the former SNP chief executive convicted of stealing more than £400,000. The decision follows public disclosure of Murrell's extensive financial holdings, such as a part-share in a Portuguese villa sold for up to £500,000, two pension funds worth about £613,000 and an £83,000 stake in his former marital home. Although his means-tested aid was approved in April last year, the board reassessed his eligibility after the wealth details surfaced.

Murrell, now serving a five-year-plus sentence at HMP Dumriess, was notified of the withdrawal on 28 July. SLAB said data-protection rules limit what it can reveal, but it confirmed the aid has ceased and may seek repayment of the £4,831 already paid.