SNP refuses to admit 'breathing sigh of relief' at Murrell case delay

A SENIOR SNP figure has refused to say if the party will benefit from the Peter Murrell court case being pushed back until after the Scottish Parliament election.

- BY DAVID WALKER Scottish Politics Reporter

The former Nat chief executive faces embezzlement charges, but will now not have to enter a plea until May 25, after the hearing was delayed from February 20.

It means the case will not be concluded until after voters go to the polls to decide on the next Scottish Government. Reports claim Mr Murrell’s legal team requested the delay to allow more time to prepare. Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross probed parliamentary business minister Graeme Dey on the issue yesterday.