Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and ex-husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, returned to the High Court in Edinburgh after pleading guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 from the party. The embezzlement occurred between August 2010 and October 2022, with Murrell reportedly purchasing various luxury items, including a space telescope, two cars, and a £124,550 motorhome. Sturgeon has publicly denied any involvement or knowledge of her ex-husband's crimes, claiming she was 'deceived, misled and betrayed.' Following Murrell's guilty plea, there have been calls for an independent investigation into the SNP's finances, with figures such as former first minister Lord Jack McConnell advocating for a joint inquiry by Holyrood and Westminster committees. However, current SNP leader John Swinney has dismissed the need for further inquiry, citing the thoroughness of the police investigation that led to Murrell's prosecution. Sentencing for Murrell is expected later in June.