Scottish Ministers Advised to Refrain from Commenting on Peter Murrell Case Before Sentencing
Crown Office advises ministers to avoid Peter Murrell comment before sentence

Image: Mail Online
Scottish ministers have been advised by the Crown Office to refrain from commenting on the Peter Murrell scandal until after sentencing. This guidance aims to prevent any perception of political pressure, despite the case no longer being 'live' for media reporting.
- 01The Crown Office, led by outgoing Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, KC, has issued guidance to ministers regarding the Peter Murrell case.
- 02Public commentary by political figures on the case is deemed 'sub judice' and should be avoided until sentencing.
- 03Scottish Tory justice spokesman Stephen Kerr criticized the SNP for evading accountability in this matter.
- 04The guidance is notable as judges typically decide cases based solely on evidence, allowing for more public commentary when no jury is involved.
- 05The restrictions from the Contempt of Court Act 1981 remain in effect until Murrell's sentencing.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Scottish ministers have been advised by the Crown Office, under the leadership of outgoing Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain, KC, to refrain from making public comments regarding the Peter Murrell scandal until after his sentencing. This recommendation aims to prevent any perception of political pressure surrounding the case. Although Murrell's conviction has rendered the proceedings no longer 'live' for media reporting under the Contempt of Court Act, the Crown Office believes that any public commentary from political figures could still be seen as 'sub judice' and should be avoided. Scottish Tory justice spokesman Stephen Kerr expressed criticism towards the Scottish National Party (SNP), arguing that they are using procedural tactics to evade providing clear answers to the public. He described the situation as unsatisfactory, suggesting that the public deserves transparency. This guidance from the Crown Office is surprising, as judges are typically trained to base their decisions solely on evidence, which generally allows for more public discourse when no jury is involved. A spokesperson for the Crown Office reiterated that the restrictions imposed by the Contempt of Court Act 1981 remain applicable until Murrell's sentencing.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The guidance affects how Scottish ministers communicate about ongoing legal matters, potentially influencing public perception and political accountability.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think political figures should comment on ongoing legal cases?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


&w=1200&q=75)
