Police ignore watchdog's Operation Branchform forensics review offer
The Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) contacted the force and its oversight body the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) in May 2023 – but has received no response.
A former SNP MP, who wished to remain anonymous, told this paper: 'Police Scotland, as an independent police service, has no legal obligation to allow the Forensic Science Regulator to review its forensic activities during Operation Branchform.
'However, to demonstrate transparency, appropriateness and fairness of the investigative process, it would be in Police Scotland's and the public's interests for it to do so.'
A forensic tent was erected in Sturgeon's garden when police raided her and former partner Peter Murrell's home near Glasgow in April 2023.
Murrell was later charged with embezzlement and is expected to stand trial at a later date. Sturgeon was arrested two months after police searched her house but was later cleared.
Sturgeon announced in January this year that she and Murrell had separated and were to divorce.
Photographs of police tents outside the former first minister's home was described by some as a potentially era-defining image in Scottish politics.
READ MORE: Shock to see forensic police tent in SNP probe, says Stephen Flynn
The police investigation into the SNP was focused on £660,000 raised for a second independence referendum campaign since 2021.
The FSR, part of the UK Government Home Office, has no official jurisdiction in Scotland.
However, because there is not an equivalent body to oversee the use of forensic investigation in the country, its services can be used in Scotland, if Police Scotland or the SPA agree to a review.
According to its website, the FSR 'ensures that the provision of forensic science services across the criminal justice system is subject to an appropriate regime of scientific quality standards'.
(Image: Getty Images)
The FSR contacted Police Scotland and the SPA after it was requested to do so by a member of the public, who is an SNP member and wishes to remain anonymous.
In a statement to the Sunday National, the forensics watchdog shared its last piece of communication with the member of the public from January 2024: 'As the Forensic Science Regulator has no jurisdiction in Scotland he has raised this matter with Police Scotland on your behalf and has been waiting for a formal response from them.
'You may also like to pursue this matter through Police Scotland as unfortunately there is no formal action that the Regulator can take regarding activities carried out in Scotland.'
A spokesperson for the SPA said: 'There are live criminal proceedings in this case and it would not be appropriate for the authority to provide comment in relation to it. I would refer to you Police Scotland in the first instance.'
Police Scotland declined to comment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
29 minutes ago
- Daily Record
BMW fleeing scene of break-in at Scots home crashes into police car
A teenage boy has since been arrested in connection with the housebreaking. A black BMW fleeing from the scene of a break-in at a property in Fife crashed into a police car. Officers were called out to reports of a home invasion in Dunlin Drive, Dunfermline, at around 3.55pm on Saturday, June 21. When the marked police car arrived, it was struck by a black BMW which then fled. A 17-year-old male has since been arrested in connection with the break-in. It has not been confirmed yet whether the BMW has been recovered. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Pictures from the quiet residential area show a patrol car with its blue lights flashing blocking off a road near a roundabout. The opposite side of the road is coned off. A sign on the ground warns motorists to slow down. A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'Around 3.55pm on Saturday, 21 June, 2025, police attended the Dunlin Drive area of Dunfermline, following a report of a housebreaking. 'A 17-year-old male has been arrested in connection with the incident. 'A black BMW car made off from the scene after colliding with a police vehicle and enquiries remain ongoing.'
Daily Record
29 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Stabbing on Scots street as man rushed to hospital with serious injuries
Police say the 42-year-old victim is in a serious condition A man is in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed in a Glasgow street. Police were called to Albert Drive in Pollokshields around 2.30pm on Saturday after reports of a disturbance and serious assault. Images from the scene show a pavement at the corner of Darnley Street and Albert Drive sealed off by police as officers stand guard. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. A Police Scotland spokesperson said investigations into the incident are ongoing. They added: 'Around 2.30pm on Saturday, June 21, police received a report of a disturbance and serious assault in the Albert Drive area of Glasgow. 'A 42-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and enquiries are ongoing.'
STV News
an hour ago
- STV News
'He was so full of life': Family of teen march through streets against knife crime
The family of a teenager who died after being stabbed in Glasgow say he was 'full of life' as they marched through the streets against knife crime. The Parents Against Knives march on Sunday was joined by the family of Kory McCrimmon, who died after an attack involving a bladed weapon on May 31, 2024. The 16-year-old died after he was found seriously injured in Greenfield Park in the east end of Glasgow. A 14-year-old was last month sentenced to five years detention after admitting culpable homicide. STV News The Parents Against Knives march was joined by the family of Kory McCrimmon. STV News Police Scotland Kory McCrimmon, 16, was stabbed in the heart in Glasgow. The march comes in the wake of the deaths of teenagers Amen Teklay and Kayden Moy in separate incidents in recent weeks. Families gathered at Rangers' Ibrox stadium to begin the walk to Celtic Park in the east end of the city. Kory's brother Jamie McNab said: 'It's been emotional and a great response to what we've done. People really do care, and they want to step up and take action. 'He was so full of life, happy – mischevious at times – but so kind-hearted at the same time. He would do anything for anyone. 'It hits hard that he isn't here right now.' Kory's dad Neil McCrimmon described the issue of knife crime as a 'crisis' and said the march hoped to raise awareness for young people. Two boys aged 14 and 16 have appeared in court charged with murder following the death of 15-year-old Amen in the Maryhill area of Glasgow on March 5. Kayden, 16, was found seriously injured on Irvine beach in North Ayrshire after police were called to the area at about 6.45pm on May 17. A 14-year-old boy and two 17-year-old boys have appeared in court charged with murder following his death. Police Scotland Amen Teklay, 15, and Kayden Moy, 16. The issue has gained national attention and earlier this month First Minister John Swinney held a summit to discuss knife crime prevention Families of the victims are calling for a meeting with Swinney on the issue. Kate Wallace, chief executive of Victim Support Scotland, said: 'Too many lives are being devastated by knife crime in Scotland. 'Behind every statistic, hundreds of lives are irreversibly impacted with tragic consequences for everyone involved; family, friends, siblings, school mates, and the wider communities in which we all live. 'We support the Parents Against Knives walk, organised entirely by the McCrimmon family in memory of their son Kory, which will undoubtedly help draw attention to this growing crisis. 'These are complex and sensitive situations which require a multi-agency response from the Scottish Government, victim support organisations, police, social work, youth work and others to work together to tackle knife crime and the devastation it causes. People across Scotland deserve to feel safe in their own communities.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
