Peter Murrell proceeds of crime hearing delayed

Disgraced former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell will return to court later this year after his proceeds of crime hearing was delayed.

The 61-year-old is currently serving more than five years in HMP Dumfries for stealing more than £400,000 from the SNP.

Murrell - the estranged husband of Nicola Sturgeon - was due to appear at the High Court in Edinburgh on Monday for Crown lawyers to attempt to recover the money he embezzled.

However the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service confirmed a judge had agreed to postpone the hearing until 7 December, after both sides asked for it to be adjourned.

The court heard how Murrell used the cash embezzled from his party to fund an extravagant lifestyle.

His largest purchase was a £124,500 motorhome which he kitted out with luxury extras and top-of-the-range toiletries.

Murrell's lawyer John Scullion KC previously told the court that his client was able to repay the sum stolen from the SNP.

But he said he was aware this could not be repaid until the conclusion of proceedings being brought to the court by prosecutors.

The story hit the headlines when police raided SNP headquarters and the home shared by Sturgeon and Murrell in April 2023.

A blue tent was set up outside the couple's home for officers to examine, log and seize some of their possessions, as they suspected they had been purchased with embezzled cash.

Earlier this year, a source with inside knowledge of the investigation told BBC Scotland News that the evidence against Murrell had become "overwhelming".

"This was SNP money, SNP accounts, SNP credit cards, used privately for the benefit of an individual," they said.

Among the purchases were pens from luxury retailer Montblanc with a total cost of £24,342.60.

Murrell spent £5,319 on items from Le Creuset - manufacturers of high-end kitchen products.

He also spent nearly £2,000 on umbrellas and bought two Lalique salt and pepper shakers costing £2,618.16.