Former SNP council leader Jordan Linden has been found guilty of multiple sex offences against young men and boys, marking a significant legal conclusion to a case that has rocked Scottish political circles. Linden, aged 30, was convicted of 10 offences, including five counts of sexual assault, stalking, and sexual communication, after a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court.
Details of the Conviction and Offences
The offences occurred over a decade-long period from 2011 to 2021, with Police Scotland confirming that all victims were boys or young men, the youngest being just 14 years old. Linden, who previously served as the leader of North Lanarkshire Council and chaired the Scottish Youth Parliament from 2015 to 2016, sexually assaulted two victims at a house party following a Dundee Pride parade in 2019.
Position of Trust Abused
Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr emphasized that Linden exploited his position of trust to befriend young males seeking his support and guidance. "He abused this position to befriend young males who were seeking his support and the opportunity to learn from his work, however his conduct toward them was far from professional," Barr stated. She praised the victims for their courage in coming forward, noting that their testimony was crucial in securing the conviction.
Political Fallout and Resignations
Linden stepped down as leader of North Lanarkshire Council in July 2022 after the allegations surfaced, and he later resigned from the council and the SNP in March 2023. During the trial, witnesses testified that their complaints were often downplayed or ignored by adults within the Scottish Youth Parliament and the SNP, raising questions about institutional handling of such cases.
Calls for Transparency
Following the conviction, the Scottish Conservatives called for SNP leader John Swinney to be "completely transparent" about how the party leadership addressed the complaints. The SNP and Scottish Youth Parliament have been contacted for comment, but responses are pending as the political ramifications continue to unfold.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Linden was charged in February 2024 and has been placed on the sex offenders' register ahead of his sentencing scheduled for May. Police Scotland reiterated their commitment to investigating all reports of sexual offending, regardless of when they occurred or the perpetrator's identity, underscoring the importance of accountability in such cases.
