Peter Murrell's Sentence

A tweet got 3 years.

I think the sentence is fine.
It was 7 years reduced as he pled guilty.
He'll likely serve two and a half years.

I honestly think that sentance is at best fair and worse a bit long.

Yes this man needs a custodial sentance, he was knowingly dishonest, but far worse crimes have recieved a lesser sentance.

No, it isn't long enough.

Fitting that he’s sentenced on Amazon prime day.

Very light indeed. Very little information about why he did it.
Will he be expected to repay the money he stole, or is that dismisses?

IMO far worse crimes receiving a lesser sentence is irrelevant and simply demonstrates that the sentences given aren't suitable.

Having sat through more court cases than I care to remember, I think that's a fairly standard sentence for embezzlement. I've certainly seen far more lenient sentences imposed for embezzlement, including community service.
Murrell was sentenced to five years and three months imprisonment, been reduced from seven years, which would have been imposed if he had been found guilty after a trial.
The judge says he reduced the sentence because Murrell pleaded guilty at the preliminary hearing.

I think it’s about right.

However, different topic I know, I don’t think most people committing non-violent crimes should go to prison.

A person described as an activist by the BBC has said he may take out a private prosecution against Nicola Sturgeon. Murrell has apparently said he will repay the money, he has it available to do so. As yet, no reason given as to why he did it.

Smileless2012

IMO far worse crimes receiving a lesser sentence is irrelevant and simply demonstrates that the sentences given aren't suitable.

I think it is comparable, this man should recieve a prison sentance but in my opinion it is too long. I don't think he had any previous and it is a not a violent crime.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Fitting that he’s sentenced on Amazon prime day.

🤣🤣

Really??? Surely he should be given more? And those around him who shut their eyes, be prosecuted as well.
In such cases, perhaps “let the punishment fit the crime” is often more appropriate than a long prison sentence.
He should also be ordered to pay back a load of that money.

grandMattie

Really??? Surely he should be given more? And those around him who shut their eyes, be prosecuted as well.
In such cases, perhaps “let the punishment fit the crime” is often more appropriate than a long prison sentence.
He should also be ordered to pay back a load of that money.

How would you prove that there were eyes being shut? I think one of the many sad things about this affair is the number of people, especially on social media, who jumped on his actions to attack Nicola Sturgeon, nearly always choosing to ignore the fact that there was nothing remarkable about luxury items being in a home where their combined income was around £250k a year, therefore she ‘must have known’ or even that he was taking the blame for her.
I suspect he just did it ‘because he could’, maybe starting with the odd purchase here and there, until it became a regular occurrence. Who knows? His life is ruined anyway.

It is helpful to read the judge’s sentencing remarks as they cover some of the issues raised above such as repayment. In terms of length of sentence, given the amount (£500k is seen as a benchmark) the 7 years was actually on the higher end of the range and again the judges comments clarify that such as length of time he was embezzling, breach of trust, abuse of position of authority and deterrence. I agree with Cossy though that these types of crime should usually be punished differently

It’s a serious crime, and I think 5 years will be long enough for him to consider his greed and dishonesty. Long sentences in a compromised prison service are probably better reserved for people who pose a physical danger to others.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Fitting that he’s sentenced on Amazon prime day.

🤣🤣🤣🤣