A former SNP council leader, Jordan Linden, was sentenced to 18 months in jail and placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years after being convicted of multiple sex offenses against teenagers and young men. Linden, 30, resigned as the leader of North Lanarkshire Council in July 2022 amidst reports of alleged sexual misconduct, which led to the collapse of the SNP administration in the area. The ex-SNP member was found guilty of 10 charges, including five counts of sexual assault, as well as charges related to sexual communication and causing fear or alarm, following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court in March.
The offenses, which occurred between 2011 and 2021 in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, and elsewhere, involved Linden sending unwanted communications to seven teenagers, the youngest being a 14-year-old. Additionally, Linden was reported to have sexually assaulted two individuals at a house party in Dundee following a Pride parade. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Linden was convicted in March and sentenced recently.
During the trial, witnesses recounted unsettling encounters with Linden, including one individual who described being locked in a bathroom by Linden after a parade, where Linden made inappropriate advances. Another witness detailed a disturbing incident in 2018 at Linden’s residence, where they woke up to find Linden engaging in a sexual act without consent. Linden was also accused of inappropriate behavior at a youth hostel during a trip to Barcelona, where he allegedly made unwanted advances towards another individual.
In response to Linden’s conviction, First Minister John Swinney initiated an independent review of the SNP’s handling of complaints against Linden. The Scottish Youth Parliament condemned Linden’s actions as “reprehensible.” Detective Chief Inspector Diane Barr, the lead investigator on the case, praised the courage of the victims who came forward, emphasizing Linden’s abuse of trust and authority in manipulating young individuals seeking guidance and mentorship.
