Jordan Linden Jailed for 18 Months Following Conviction of Multiple Sexual Crimes
Jordan Linden, the former SNP council leader, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of a series of sexual offences targeting young men and boys. The 30-year-old was convicted of 10 offences, including five sexual assaults, stalking, and indecent communication, at Falkirk Sheriff Court in March.
Details of the Offences and Court Proceedings
The crimes spanned a decade from 2011 to 2021, with victims ranging from boys as young as 14 to young men. Police Scotland confirmed that the offences included two sexual assaults committed at a house party following the Dundee Pride parade in 2019. Linden, who chaired the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) between 2015 and 2016, was charged in February 2024 but consistently denied any wrongdoing throughout the trial.
His convictions encompass five sexual assaults, three counts of stalking, one count of coercing a person to view a sexualised image and communicating indecently, and one count of intentionally exposing another person to a sexual image without consent.
Sentencing and Public Reaction
Linden appeared in court for sentencing on Wednesday. As he entered, he faced jeers from a gathered crowd. When pressed by Sky News’ Scotland correspondent, Connor Gillies, about apologizing to his victims, Linden responded, “I don’t have any comment to make at this time.”
The sentencing was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was delayed due to the unavailability of Linden’s defense lawyer, David Moggach KC.
Defense Arguments and Judge’s Verdict
In mitigation, Mr. Moggach highlighted Linden’s difficult teenage years marked by bullying and social isolation. He noted that Linden was diagnosed with autism in 2021, which explained a lack of social boundary awareness. Mr. Moggach argued this diagnosis partially accounted for Linden’s behaviour and emphasized that no offences occurred after his diagnosis. He urged the court for a non-custodial sentence, asserting Linden’s recognition of his misconduct and remorse.
However, Sheriff Christopher Shead rejected these appeals, stating: “The nature of the offences is such that custody is the only appropriate disposal.” Alongside the 18-month prison term, Linden was placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Impact on Political Career and Institutional Responses
Following the revelations, Linden resigned as North Lanarkshire Council leader in July 2022, which led to the collapse of the SNP administration there. He subsequently left both the council and the SNP in March 2023.
During the trial, witnesses testified that complaints against Linden were previously downplayed or ignored by adults within the SYP and SNP.
Scottish Youth Parliament’s Response
The SYP acknowledged the gravity of the case and concerns it raised. The organization stated it had twice commissioned external investigations in 2016 which found no evidence of criminality based on information available at the time. Fresh allegations were referred to Police Scotland in 2017, which concluded no criminality was established. After further allegations surfaced in 2022, the SYP fully supported the subsequent police and Crown Office investigation leading to Linden’s conviction.
The SYP affirmed it consistently referred concerns to appropriate authorities and cooperated fully with all investigations.
The SNP’s Actions and Future Measures
The SNP has conducted a comprehensive review of its complaints procedures since 2016. In light of this case, party leader John Swinney has commissioned an independent review to ensure robust safeguarding and complaint handling.
A party spokesperson said: “The SNP welcomes the verdict against Jordan Linden and commends the bravery of the individuals who came forward and shared their experiences with the police. We hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of justice for the victims.”
Related Developments
Days after Linden’s conviction, Tracy Carragher, leader of the SNP group on North Lanarkshire Council, was suspended from the party and removed as a Holyrood election candidate pending an investigation. This followed criticism over how she handled earlier complaints against Linden. Carragher, who testified as a defense witness during the trial, pledged full cooperation with the probe and expressed confidence that due process will establish the facts.
