Nicola Sturgeon has not spoken to estranged husband Peter Murrell since his jailing

Scotland's former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has stated she has no intention of visiting her estranged husband, Peter Murrell, in prison and has ceased all communication with him. Murrell was sentenced to five years in jail in June for embezzling over £400,000 from the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Speaking at the Edinburgh festival fringe, Sturgeon revealed that Murrell had been lying to her about his actions until the day he pleaded guilty. She discovered he was negotiating his plea for months prior, a revelation that deeply affected her. Sturgeon expressed feeling like a 'mug' for having worried about his well-being and mental health during his isolation, realizing he did not reciprocate her concern.

Sturgeon stated that Murrell's actions had subjected her to something beyond her comprehension and that she may never understand his motivations. She noted that she was still learning details about his purchases made with party funds, including a motorhome, a Jaguar SUV, and high-end homeware, even as he was in court. She acknowledged that she had been living with someone she did not truly know.

Murrell, 61, committed the embezzlement over a period spanning from 2010 to 2022. Sturgeon, 55, has consistently denied any knowledge of his crimes and was not charged following a police investigation. She previously admitted an error in judgment for keeping Murrell as SNP chief executive after becoming party leader but refused to apologize for his offenses.