Sturgeon speaks of court case as sense of ‘shock to many people’

Nicola Sturgeon has spoken of the sense of shock at news of the charges against Alex Salmond.

The SNP leader was asked for her reaction to the developments after appearing at First Minister’s Questions yesterday.

She told reporters: “Obviously this news this morning will be a shock to many people.

“But as Police Scotland have made clear this morning, these are now live criminal proceedings and that means now more than ever it would be completely inappropriate for me or anybody else for that matter to make any comment on the situation.

“And I hope, both you as members of the media and indeed the wider public, will understand the reasons for the fact that I cannot and will not comment any further at this stage.”

Ms Sturgeon has previously described her former boss as a mentor and friend.

She was his deputy throughout both his second spell in charge of the party and his time as first minister.

At the start of FMQs, the presiding officer Ken Macintosh gave MSPs a legal reminder.

“Before we start First Minister’s Question time, members will be aware of reports in the media this morning that the former first minister Alex Salmond has been arrested,” he said.

“As I hope members will also be aware, and as applies with all such matters, that means that the parliamentary rules on sub judice apply, as the case is now active.”

“I cannot and will not comment any further at this stage. NICOLA STURGEON