Peter Murrell sentenced to five years, parole possible after two years and seven months

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, was sentenced to five years and three months in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party over a 12‑year period. He is currently held at Saughton Prison in Edinburgh and could be transferred to HMP Dumfries, where he might share a cell with Alex Stewart, a transgender prisoner who was recently moved to a men’s prison.

Criminal‑law expert William McIntyre says Murrell is likely to be eligible for parole after serving half of his term – roughly two years and seven months – because the offence is non‑violent and he is a first‑time offender. McIntyre quoted, “Because the offence is non‑violent, non‑sexual and non‑domestic Murrell will probably get out having done half.” The expert also noted the possibility of Murrell spending his final six months at the open prison Castle Huntly near Dundee.