Policing in Scotland through the lens of the Murrell and Sturgeon case: Fighting crime with both hands tied behind its back

11th June 2026Martin Gallagher, former Police Scotland Superintendent

The recent high-profile embezzlement conviction of former Scottish National Party Chief Executive Peter Murrell, and the investigation of his former wife, previous First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, prompted widespread media headlines and accusations of cover-ups from politicians; former Police Scotland Superintendent Martin Gallagher believes the case also lays bare the challenging environment and criminal justice system barriers that Scottish officers now have to contend with.

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Policing in Scotland through the lens of the Murrell and Sturgeon case: Fighting crime with both hands tied behind its back

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