Nicola Sturgeon has responded after her estranged husband Peter Murrell was remanded in custody after pleading guilty to embezzlement:
She wrote on Instagram: “My reaction to the guilty plea tendered today by my former husband is difficult to put into words. I am angry, hurt, sad and very distressed about the impact of his actions on family, friends and the SNP.
“To be deceived and let down by a husband I loved and trusted has caused me acute pain. Why he acted as he did is, and always will be, beyond my comprehension.
“To be clear: I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that he was using SNP funds for personal purposes. I am utterly appalled that he did so and cannot begin to understand why.
“That I was fully cleared after a thorough investigation underlines that these are not my crimes. I was misled just as others were.
“I know that there will be political discussion in light of what has happened, and I understand why. However, for me this has also been a profound personal trauma.
“I need to remain focussed on recovering from that and building a new phase of life.
“I will be making no further comment.”
However in a statement later released via her solicitor Aamer Anwar, Ms. Sturgeon added: “I have seen questions raised about how I could not have known about this. I want to reiterate that I had no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds.
“I was cleared of any wrongdoing after a lengthy and thorough investigation
“In relation to many of the items in question, for example expensive watches and games consoles, I was not aware of them having been purchased at all.
“Indeed in relation to the item of largest value – a campervan – I was not aware of its existence until it featured in the police investigation in early 2023, nor was it parked in our driveway as has been claimed by some.
“In respect of any items I was aware of Peter having purchased, I had no reason to doubt that he had used his own money. We were both earning high salaries and, due to the responsibilities of my job, rarely socialised or went on holidays.
“We had separate bank accounts and I had no access to his financial records.”
A 41-year-old man has been jailed for organised crime and drug offences. William Byrne was sentenced to seven years and four months in prison at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Monday, 25 May, 2026).
At the same court on Wednesday, 15 April, 2026, he pleaded guilty to being involved in serious and organised crime.
Byrne was arrested in Portugal in October 2025 and later arrested and charged in connection with serious and organised crime offences on 25 November 2025 as part of a joint partnership with the National Crime Agency.
Detective Chief Inspector Laura Sands, said: “I hope this sentencing sends a message to those involved in serious and organised crime and drugs that you will be caught and you will face the consequences.
“Byrne’s involvement in this type of crime spanned across Europe and we worked with international partners, alongside law enforcement agencies in the UK and abroad, to ensure Byrne could be held accountable for his leading part in a sophisticated criminal enterprise, bringing drugs into our country with no regard for the harm and misery they cause.
“There is no place for this type of criminality in our communities and we will continue to work with partner agencies to tackle this and make our communities safer.”
Alan O’Brien, Branch Commander for the NCA in Scotland, said: “William Byrne is a dangerous criminal, working internationally with the aim of flooding Scotland with lethal drugs.
“The NCA worked closely with our law enforcement colleagues overseas and Police Scotland to track Byrne down and return him to the UK to face justice for his crimes.
“We will continue to work with partners to protect the public from serious and organised criminals like Byrne who cause harm to our local communities.”
TODAY (Monday, 25 May, 2026), at the High Court in Edinburgh Peter Murrell was convicted of embezzling funds from the Scottish National Party.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston had oversight of Operation Branchform, Police Scotland’s investigation into the embezzlement.
ACC Houston said: “This was a lengthy and extremely complex case due to the scale of criminality over a 12-year period and the lengths Peter Murrell went to try and cover his tracks.
“I commend the professionalism and absolute dedication of the Operation Branchform team who spent more than four years carrying out extensive enquiries across Europe to unpick Murrell’s offending.
“All of this work, in close partnership with colleagues from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, was carried out under the most intense public scrutiny and it was their commitment to gathering such detailed and compelling evidence that brought us to the High Court today.
“This is without doubt one of the most high-profile investigations in recent times and it is testimony to the work of Police Scotland officers and staff that has led to Peter Murrell’s admission of guilt early in the court process.
“I would also like to thank the many witnesses who came forward to provide us with statements as we built the case against Peter Murrell. Their engagement with us was vital.
“Peter Murrell has shown utter contempt for the high public trust placed in him as the Chief Executive of a political party and his position in the wider political establishment in Scotland for many years.
“He abused his privileged position with access to Scottish National Party funds to divert cash into his own accounts and bankroll the lavish lifestyle he craved but could not afford.
“From 2010 to 2022 he spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on luxury goods while carefully trying to hide his criminality with false receipts and accounting.
“He must now face the consequences of his actions.”
Murrell was remanded in custody and will be sentenced next month.
Drugs worth an estimated £325,000 have been recovered following the search of a property in South Edinburgh.
Officers searched an address in the West Powburn area around 6.25pm on Thursday, 21 May, 2026 and discovered a large quantity of Diamorphine.
A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Sergeant Callum Mill said: “Drugs cause misery in communities and we work tirelessly every day to prevent them being circulated on our streets.
“We are committed to addressing the concerns of local people and information from the public is vital to helping us tackle this type of harmful criminality.
“If you have information or concerns about drugs activity in your area please contact Police Scotland on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Over 50,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized in a multi-agency day of action in Glasgow.
Following concerns raised by the community, officers from the local problem-solving team at Cathcart Police Office were joined by partners from Trading Standards and the Home Office on Tuesday, 19 May, 2026.
Several shops in the Govanhill area were visited, and a total of 51,000 illegal cigarettes with a street value of around £47,000 were discovered, with the help of specialist search dogs Boo and Rosie from Trading Standards.
Fines were issued and enquiries are ongoing.
Sergeant Gary Phillips said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners to target areas of concern and stop the illegal sale of counterfeit goods.
“This day of action highlights our commitment to protecting the public, supporting lawful traders, and taking action against those involved in criminality.
“If you have information regarding those involved in the supply of illegal cigarettes and tobacco then contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
‘Knife robberies have fallen by 21% as government action takes effect’
Knife robberies have fallen sharply in major cities in England thanks to joint government and police action to tackle one of the most harmful forms of violence and make communities safe.
New Home Office data shows that robberies involving a knife in the 7 highest volume areas are now more than a fifth lower (21%) than they were in June 2024. Offences fell from 15,918 in summer 2024 to 12,633 by March 2026, meaning thousands fewer people experiencing the fear and financial impact of this violent crime.
The continuing fall follows a period when knife robberies were rising. Since 2024, the new focused national leadership and close partnership with policing have turned the tide. The results, published at the start of Knife Crime Awareness Week, demonstrate the impact of innovation, collaboration and focusing on proven-to work tactics, that has come out of the Home Office‑led Knife‑Enabled Robbery Group.
The group, set up in October 2024, brings together the Metropolitan, Greater Manchester, West Midlands, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and British Transport police forces to work together on tackling the issue.
It has helped forces make better use of intelligence and analysis to spot crime patterns early, strengthen investigations by improving how technology such as CCTV is used to identify suspects and build stronger cases. It has also tightened offender management by targeting repeat and high‑harm offenders in hotspot areas and keeping closer grip on performance and outcomes.
Crime and Policing Minister Sarah Jones said: “These results show what can be achieved when we bring a clear focus and relentless grip to tackling knife crime, working hand in hand with the police and our frontline and grassroots partners.
“I know knife robbery has a devastating impact on victims and communities, so sustained reductions like this matter because they mean fewer people at risk of harm.
“I am determined to build on this progress as part of this government’s mission to halve knife crime, combining tough enforcement with early intervention and prevention to protect young people and keep communities safe.”
Every police force involved has recorded sustained reductions. The largest percentage falls were seen in West Midlands Police and British Transport Police, both down by 39%, alongside a 17% reduction in the Metropolitan Police. Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, Avon and Somerset and South Yorkshire have also seen decreases, ranging from 10% to 21%.
As part of their ongoing efforts, Greater Manchester Police this month launched its new City of Manchester robbery team with dedicated officers targeting knife robberies and offenders in the heart of the city. Part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively targeting offenders and offences when they occur.
Force lead for robbery at Greater Manchester Police, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: “Knife-enabled robbery is a crime that causes untold and lasting harm to its victims. In addition to the impact on the victims themselves these offences often happen in open and public spaces, and so affect feelings of safety in the local community.
“Within GMP, we are committed to the role of effective neighbourhood policing in providing public reassurance, preventing these offences and responding efficiently when they do.
“As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee the force has invested in the creation of a new City of Manchester robbery team who will be tackling all aspects of robbery, including knife-enabled robbery. These frontline officers will provide a visible deterrent, proactively target offenders and when offences do occur, they will provide a best standard of initial investigation to maximise opportunities to bring offenders to justice.
“We are proud to support the government’s ambition to reduce knife-enabled robbery and to be part to the Home Office taskforce set up to achieve this goal. Through the taskforce we are able to increase knowledge, share best practice and test new ideas to keep our communities safe.”
The reductions are part of a wider and sustained downward trend in knife crime. Recent figures show a 27% fall in knife‑related homicides, alongside an overall reduction in knife crime in England and Wales. 63,611 knives have also been removed from the streets through police seizures, surrender schemes and border interventions. Together, these indicators show real progress in reducing the most serious harm and keeping communities safer.
This targeted action is one example of the government’s broader response to knife crime. The latest results and the week of intensified police activity follow the publication of ‘protecting lives, building hope: a plan to halve knife crime’, which brings together action across government, policing and local partners to drive progress and end the cycle of knife crime. The plan sets out a long‑term approach combining tough enforcement with prevention, early intervention and community‑led solutions, as part of the government’s mission to halve knife crime over the next decade.
Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national week of action and engagement led by organisations including the Ben Kinsella Trust. The week shines a spotlight on the devastating impact of knife crime, while highlighting the action being taken across government, policing and communities to prevent violence, protect young people and save lives.
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust and member of the government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “These figures show that coordinated national leadership from the government, and targeted policing, are making a tangible difference, with thousands fewer knife robberies than just 2 years ago. It’s important to recognise that behind every reduction is a life spared the fear, harm or long-lasting impact of violence.
“However, Knife Crime Awareness Week highlights that real, lasting change depends on all of us. We cannot rely on enforcement alone; we must continue to prioritise prevention, work closely with young people, and ensure they feel supported, informed and empowered to make safe decisions long before they ever feel pressure to carry a knife.”
The week also sees a wave of activity across England and Wales for Operation Sceptre, with intensified action from forces up and down the country to tackle knife crime by taking dangerous weapons off the streets and preventing violence before it happens. Led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), the week will see forces carry out targeted enforcement alongside community engagement, including weapons sweeps, test-purchase operations to stop illegal knife sales, knife surrender activity and work in schools and neighbourhoods.
Commander Stephen Clayman, NPCC lead for knife crime and Head of the National Knife Crime Centre, said: “The impact of knife crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.
“While the causes and drivers of knife crime are complex, early intervention and putting in place measures to tackle the root causes are essential and this is a key focus of our work in the newly launched National Knife Crime Centre.
“Reducing knife crime remains a priority and policing plays a pivotal role in enforcement activity, but we can’t do it alone. By working together with our partners and supporting communities we know that we can be more effective, responsive and take steps to prevent young people carrying knives.
“Officers and staff work tirelessly every day to tackle knife crime and this week, Sceptre highlights the many activities policing undertakes to keep our communities safe.”
Delivering on its plan, and building on these results, the Home Office will continue to work closely with policing partners to build on this progress, expand what works and keep the pressure on knife crime – driving down violence now, while building a safer future for the next generation.
Pooja Kanda, founder of Justice for Ronan Kanda, and member of the UK government’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime said: “It is encouraging to see knife-enabled robberies down by 21% across key hotspot areas, and over 63,000 knives removed from our streets since July 2024.
“We must remember that behind every statistic is a real child, a real family and a community affected by violence. These reductions show that working in partnership together, targeted policing and stronger prevention measures can make a real difference when action is sustained and coordinated.”
Knife Crime Awareness Week is not only about recognising progress, but about maintaining momentum. Through stronger laws such as Ronan’s Law, better education, earlier intervention and continued accountability around how weapons are sold, we can help protect future generations.
The recent reduction in knife-related homicides is positive, but one young life lost is still one too many, and we must continue working together to build safer communities and lasting change.
A 56-year-old man has been jailed following the murder of a woman in Restalrig.Momodou Bobb was given a life sentence, with a minimum of 16 years and eight months, at the High Court in Edinburgh today (Tuesday, 19 May, 2026), following the death of Ndata Bobb.
Around 1am on Thursday, 28 August, 2025, officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a property on Restalrig Avenue in the city.
Emergency services attended and a 43-year-old woman was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, where she died a short time later.
Detective Inspector Kevin Tait said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Ndata at this extremely difficult time.
“This was a heartbreaking and senseless crime that took the life of a much-loved woman and devoted mother.
“We remain committed to bringing those who commit such violent acts to justice.”
Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “We understand that such a tragic incident has had a profound effect on Ndata’s family and friends, and it is important we continue to provide support at this difficult time.
“Our community advisors and community representatives helped shape our response during and after this incident, providing invaluable insight into Gambian culture and helping us to understand their needs.
“Crimes of this nature can also impact the wider public and we extensively engage and work directly with communities to address any concerns and provide reassurance.
“We are committed to continuing to strengthen our positive relationships with African communities in Edinburgh and ensuring that all the people we serve have trust and confidence in policing and feel able to speak to us, whether it is to report a crime or share information.”
“Firstly, we send our congratulations to Celtic on winning the William Hill Premiership in the most exciting of circumstances and our commiserations to everyone at Heart of Midlothian following an incredible campaign.
“We would also like to thank the referee and his excellent team of match officials for their cool heads on such a dramatic day. Given the speculation about the conclusion of the game, we would like to make clear that, prior to awarding the trophy, we were informed by the match referee that the match had ended and had not been abandoned.
“Yesterday’s match showed off the very best of the Scottish game and the drama and excitement that it is rightly famed for. The eyes of the world were on Glasgow and the climax of the William Hill Premiership, with millions of viewers watching the match on Sky Sports and across the globe.
“However, we utterly condemn the scenes which saw a number of Celtic supporters encroach onto the field of play. We await the report of our match delegate regarding any specific incidents that took place but, regardless, supporters entering the field of play in any circumstances is wholly unacceptable and puts those participating and working at a match at risk.
We note that entering the pitch in England and Wales has been a criminal offence since 1991.
“We urge anyone with information about any alleged criminal activity to contact Police Scotland.”
Two officers seriously injured and 14 arrests made following disorder in Glasgow
Fourteen people were arrested in Glasgow during and after Celtic’s Premiership title win on Saturday, 16 May, 2026.
Four arrests were made at Parkhead stadium during the match and 10 in the Trongate area of the city. They relate to a number of offences including mobbing and rioting, resisting arrest, police assault and possession of offensive weapons. Officers also seized pyrotechnics and alcohol at both locations.
During the violence that followed, two officers were seriously injured and three members of the public required hospital treatment.
Significant work remains ongoing around the disorder and officers will be reviewing CCTV and capturing statements to identify those responsible.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Sutherland said: “The large majority of people at the Trongate yesterday were in a celebratory mood and simply wanted to support the victory of their team.
“However, we once again saw significant disorder and anti-social behaviour when police responded to a medical emergency within the crowd. A man was found unresponsive after taking unwell and continues to receive treatment in hospital. While dealing with this, our officers came under sustained attack from missiles and bottles, which resulted in two of them being seriously injured.
“I cannot condemn this behaviour strongly enough. It is completely unacceptable.
“Our officers must be kept safe when doing their job. They acted bravely, courageously and with the highest degree of professionalism throughout the event. They took decisive action, which was entirely appropriate, to clear those intent on violence and disorder, and make arrests.
“The minority of individuals involved will face the most robust action from Police Scotland and partners as we move forward. If you were involved in criminality, expect us to be knocking at your door.
“Once again, Police Scotland has been left holding the responsibility and accountability for supporters away from the stadium at the Trongate.
“We have strong and positive relationships with Celtic Football Club and Glasgow City Council on a day-to-day basis to keep people safe, but on this particular issue more must be done.
“Celtic FC and football authorities, working with local authorities and Police Scotland, must take greater responsibility. This cannot happen again at any future celebrations.”
We are also carrying out enquiries and reviewing CCTV footage from Parkhead stadium in Glasgow following the pitch invasion and disorder that followed. We continue to engage with Hearts of Midlothian FC to establish if any of their players were assaulted on the pitch.
The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.
We would appeal to anyone with footage or photos of criminality from Parkhead or around the Trongate area to upload it using the online form here:
Information can also be passed to Police Scotland via 101 quoting Operation Gristaline. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
Four further arrests were also made in the vicinity of Tynecastle Stadium in Edinburgh on Saturday, 16 May, 2026 in connection with breach of the peace, and assault and robbery offences.
A 48-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences in Edinburgh.
Police officers executed warrants at Salamander Street, Breadalbane Street and Western Harbour Way yesterday. Cannabis with an estimated street value of around £895,000 was discovered along with cash.
A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the man is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today – Wednesday, 29 April, 2026.
Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery demonstrates the ongoing efforts to combat serious and organised in Edinburgh.
“We remain committed to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and Scotland’s Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.
“Information from the public is vital in helping us target those involved in the supply of drugs. Anyone with concerns about drugs in their area is encouraged to contact police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A 29-year-old man has been sentenced to nine years and five months in prison for attempted murder in Edinburgh.
Josh Reynolds pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, 20 March, 2026 and was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 24 April, 2026.
He was also disqualified from driving for 13 years.
The incident happened around 9.40pm on Friday, 26 September, 2025, when Reynolds deliberately drove a Peugeot Partner panel van at a 29-year-old man on Prestonfield Avenue.
The man was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment for life-threatening injuries.
Detective Constable Joanne Robertson said: “This was a serious and deliberate act which could have resulted in the loss of a young man’s life. Reynolds will now face the consequences of his actions.
“I would like to thank members of the public for their assistance throughout our enquiries, as well as the officers involved in the investigation.
“Violence of this nature has no place in our communities and we will continue to work to ensure those responsible of such crimes are brought to justice.”
