A sharp slice of what matters in Scottish law
Scottish Edition
23rd June 2026
 
THE HOT STORY
Murrell to be sentenced today
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell is due to be sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh today after admitting embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. He is facing a substantial jail term. Meanwhile, former MP Joanna Cherry has said Murrell’s embezzlement may be "the tip of the iceberg". She said concerns about the SNP’s finances predated the criminal case and centred on a controversial independence referendum fund. Cherry said "I didn’t suspect criminality. But I, along with many other members of the party at that time, were concerned about what had happened to a fund that had been raised not just from SNP members, but also from members of the public to fund a second independence referendum."

 
CASES
Man in court after Edinburgh attempted murders
A 36-year-old man, Lewis Hawkes, has appeared in court charged with five counts of attempted murder linked to terrorism following a series of alleged anti-Muslim attacks across Edinburgh. Five people were injured in incidents on Friday evening, including stabbings near Broomhouse Mosque and further assaults on Leith Walk, as well as attacks on a taxi and petrol station. Hawkes also faces charges of assault, robbery, breach of the peace and culpable and reckless conduct, all aggravated by a terrorist connection. He made no plea and was remanded in custody. Police say none of the injuries are life-threatening and inquiries continue.
Man who hit prosecutor with shoe jailed
A 21-year-old man has been jailed for 30 months after throwing a shoe at a prosecutor and assaulting her during a hearing at Airdrie Sheriff Court in March 2026. Stuart Young struck the fiscal with the shoe after being told he would be remanded, following a disruptive appearance in which he shouted abuse at court staff. He admitted assault and threatening behaviour at the High Court in Glasgow. The judge said custody was inevitable given the seriousness of his conduct.
Crossbow-wielding man jailed for three years
A man who entered the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow armed with a loaded crossbow has been jailed for 38 months. Queen Elizabeth University Hospital security staff tackled 30-year-old Jordan Convery before police arrested him on 23 May 2025. He admitted threatening and abusive behaviour after earlier making threats and carrying the weapon in public. A sheriff rejected claims of mental illness, saying he knew his conduct was wrong and would cause fear.
Donaldson guilty of 18 sex offences
Former DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has been convicted of 18 historical sex offences, including one count of rape. The jury at Newry Crown Court found him guilty of multiple charges, including 13 counts of indecent assault. Mr Donaldson will be sentenced later this year and Judge Paul Ramsey indicated a lengthy custodial sentence is expected.

 
POLICING
Councillor calls for additional policing for events
A Glasgow councillor is calling on the Scottish Government to increase funding for Police Scotland to reflect additional policing demands linked to major events such as TRNSMT. Councillor Kevin Lalley will present a motion later this week, citing concerns that festivals including TRNSMT and Celtic Connections divert officers from routine duties. Glasgow hosts major recurring cultural and sporting events, which require significant Police Scotland resources during busy summer months periods.
REGULATION
FCA concerned over redress scheme readiness
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has expressed serious concerns regarding the readiness of motor finance lenders to implement its £9bn redress scheme. In letters sent to over 100 firms, the City watchdog highlighted that a "significant number of plans are not yet capable of supporting timely and accurate redress payments," adding that it is "very concerned about many firms' operational readiness to handle complaints."
Regulation will target misinformation
The Government is proposing new regulations for journalists, aiming to enhance access to trusted news and combat misinformation. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy will unveil plans requiring platforms like YouTube, Facebook and X to highlight public service broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV. However, critics have voiced concerns over defining "trusted" news providers and warn that such measures could limit diverse journalism.
INTERNATIONAL
Fatal Tesla crash under US federal investigation
US regulators have opened a formal investigation into a fatal crash in Texas involving a Tesla that drove into a home, killing a 76-year-old woman. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the probe will examine the vehicle’s use of automated driving assistance technology. Police said the car left the road at high speed. The driver, who was injured, claimed the system was engaged.

 

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