John Swinney denies 'sweeping Murrell scandal under carpet'

John Swinney denies 'sweeping Murrell scandal under carpet'17 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAngus CochraneSenior political journalist, BBC ScotlandPA MediaJohn Swinney says the public should retain confidence in the courts and police First Minister John Swinney has denied trying to sweep a scandal surrounding former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell's "under the carpet".Swinney faced criticism from opposition MSPs after Murrell admitted embezzling more than £400,000 of party funds. Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton also said the public would question why Nicola Sturgeon did not face further action following the police investigation into SNP finances.Sturgeon has denied any wrongdoing and said she had "no knowledge or suspicion whatsoever that personal items had been purchased using SNP funds".Sturgeon showed 'remarkable lack of curiosity' over SNP finances, Cherry saysHow long could Peter Murrell spend in prison?Murrell - Nicola Sturgeon's estranged husband - potentially faces a lengthy jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to embezzling £400,310.65 over a 12-year period up to 2022. The 61-year-old used party funds to make hundreds of illicit purchases, ranging from handcream and towels to a luxury motorhome and two cars.Sturgeon was arrested and released without charge as part of the police probe, and was later told she would not face further action. Following an urgent question in the Scottish Parliament chamber on Tuesday afternoon, Swinney described Murrell's crime as a "terrible breach of trust and an overwhelming betrayal".He said there had been an "extensive police investigation" and that the offending was the former SNP chief executive's sole responsibility.The first minister said it was "irrelevant" that he had appointed Murrell as SNP chief executive in 2001 during his first spell as party leader.Scottish Conservative Hamilton accused Swinney of "de...