Sister of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon 'treated like a criminal'

The sister of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon claimed she was told she was being charged with an alleged domestic 'because of who her sister is' by cops.

Gillian Sturgeon, 46, was arrested on Wednesday, August 11 in connection with an alleged domestic incident on Saturday, August 7, when police previously arrested Steven Waite, 50, in Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

It was reported prosecutors were dropping the charges against both accused – with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPS) confirming the case itself remains live with the decision open to review.

Gill, from Irvine, North Ayrshire, said: “When I found out I was getting charged myself I was shocked.

“I was told the reason I was being charged was because it was high profile just because of who my sister is – they said that a few times – and had to watch what they were doing.

“I wasn’t treated very nice, one of them treated me like a criminal.

“I asked why I was being charged and was told 'because you committed a crime'.

“Everyone has been great and very supportive.

"I am relieved that my charges have been dropped – but also not relieved as I feel I didn’t do anything for them to be made in the first place.

“I will continue to work with and help others to have a voice and to watch for the red flags that I now know I was blinded to.”

A spokesperson for the Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service said: “This matter remains live for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

“In order to protect any future proceedings and to preserve the rights of the complainers, the Crown will not comment at this stage.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 50-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an incident that took place within a house in Kilwinning on Saturday, 7 August.

“He was released on an undertaking to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date. A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

“On Wednesday, August 11, a 46-year-old woman was arrested and charged following a report made on Tuesday, August 10 regarding an incident that took place within a house in Kilwinning on Saturday, August 7.

“She has been released on an undertaking to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date. A full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”

Both complainers have the right to a review of a fiscal’s decision.

The Victim’s Right to Review is carried out by a prosecutor who had no prior involvement with the case. If that does not happen, or the review is rejected, then the cases will be binned permanently.

• Story by SWNS