Jordan Linden, 30, abused his place of belief to ‘befriend’ boys and younger males.
Jordan Linden has been discovered responsible of a number of intercourse offences towards younger males and boys (Picture: North Lanarkshire Council)
A former SNP council chief has been discovered responsible of a number of intercourse offences towards boys and younger males, with the youngest aged 14. Jordan Linden, 30, sexually assaulted two of his victims at a home social gathering after a Dundee Pleasure parade in 2019, in keeping with Police Scotland.
The pressure stated all Linden’s victims have been both boys or younger males, with the youngest aged 14. His offences occurred between 2011 and 2021. Det Ch Insp Diane Barr stated the investigation concerned talking to many individuals who regarded Linden as occupying a place of belief.
She added: “He abused this place to befriend younger males who have been looking for his assist and the chance to study from his work, nevertheless, his conduct towards them was removed from skilled.
“I would prefer to thank the victims who got here ahead to report their experiences to police. Their testimony and assist ensured that we have been capable of deliver Linden earlier than the courts.”
Linden resigned because the chief of North Lanarkshire Council in July 2022 after studies of alleged sexual harassment emerged. It led to the collapse of the SNP administration within the space. Linden left the Nats in 2024.
He was convicted of 10 separate offences, together with 5 sexual assaults, on Thursday (March 26) after a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Courtroom.
The politician was additionally discovered responsible of three counts of stalking or participating in a course of conduct inflicting concern or alarm, one in all coercing an individual to take a look at a sexual picture and speaking indecently and one in all deliberately inflicting one other to take a look at a sexual picture with out consent.
An SNP spokesperson stated the social gathering hoped the decision introduced some justice to those that bravely got here ahead and shared their experiences. They added: “Their braveness in talking out can’t be overstated. As proceedings stay ongoing, it could be inappropriate to remark additional right now.”
A spokesperson for North Lanarkshire Council stated: “Our ideas are with the victims of abuse on this case. All elements of the council’s youth work service have safeguarding insurance policies and protocols in place to guard people.”
Linden additionally chaired the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), which put out an announcement on Thursday describing his actions as “reprehensible”. A spokesperson stated the SYP’s first ideas are with these Linden harmed.
They added: “His actions have been reprehensible and diametrically against the values and ethos of the Scottish Youth Parliament and we’ve got absolutely supported the investigation by Police Scotland and subsequent prosecution.
“An unbiased evaluation of our safeguarding preparations, commissioned within the wake of the allegations, discovered that our baby safety insurance policies absolutely complied with nationwide pointers and laws. Safeguarding, wellbeing and baby safety are of paramount significance to SYP.”
Linden is because of be sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Courtroom on Could 5.
John Swinney has ordered an unbiased evaluation into the social gathering’s complaints process (Picture: Getty)
SNP chief John Swinney has ordered an unbiased evaluation of the social gathering’s complaints process. The social gathering is going through accusations it did not take care of complaints about his conduct.
Chatting with STV Information, one nameless sufferer stated Linden’s actions “might have been stopped earlier”, including victims “weren’t believed”, “have been known as liars” and “pushed out of politics”. They stated: “He was enabled, and I hope in time we discover out why.”
A spokesperson stated the SNP has undertaken a complete evaluation of its complaints procedures since 2016, however in mild of the Linden case Mr Swinney instructed an unbiased evaluation of the procedures.
In the meantime, one in all Linden’s fellow councillors, Tracy Carragher – the present chief of the SNP group on the council – denied defending him throughout his trial.
Ms Carragher stated: “I welcome the choice reached by the jury. It ought to ship a message that even when victims don’t go to the police straightaway, justice can nonetheless be finished.
“My ideas are with the victims on this case, and I actually hope that this verdict will deliver them some closure. I used to be known as as a witness in Jordan Linden’s trial, and so I gave an trustworthy account of my involvement and my data of occasions. I didn’t at any level defend Mr Linden.”
Fellow councillor Fiona Fotheringham additionally gave proof through the trial. She has not made an announcement.
SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn advised journalists on Friday it’s for the councillors who gave proof to “be clear about what they selected to do and what their views at the moment are”.
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The SNP spokesperson added: “Having not been conscious of the element of the trial, a query was put to Stephen Flynn which appeared to recommend councillor Carragher had sought to defend Mr Linden.
“The truth is, councillor Carragher was known as as a witness in a prison court docket case and was required to attend and provides her proof to the very best of her data.”
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