A former Scottish National Party (SNP) council leader was jailed for 18 months after being convicted of multiple sexual offences against boys and young men, with angry scenes unfolding outside court as he arrived for sentencing.Jordan Linden, 30, was sentenced at Falkirk Sheriff Court after being found guilty of 10 offences, including sexual assault, stalking and inappropriate sexual communication, following a trial earlier this year.
Crowd fury outside court
Videos circulating online showed an angry crowd shouting at Linden as he arrived to be sentenced for serial sex offences against boys and young men. However, he refused to answer media queries.
Crimes over a decade
The court heard the offences took place over a 10-year period between 2011 and 2021, with victims aged as young as 14. Prosecutors said Linden targeted vulnerable teenagers and young men, engaging in repeated inappropriate behaviour including unwanted sexual contact and explicit communication.He was convicted of five counts of sexual assault, along with charges of stalking and coercing individuals into viewing sexual images.
Court rejects leniency plea
Defence lawyer David Moggach KC argued for a non-custodial sentence, citing Linden’s difficult teenage years, bullying, and a later autism diagnosis.However, Sheriff Christopher Shead ruled that the seriousness of the offences warranted jail time, stating custody was “the only appropriate disposal”. Linden was also placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Political fallout
Linden stepped down as North Lanarkshire Council leader in 2022 after allegations surfaced, later quitting both the council and the SNP.The case has sparked wider political controversy, with questions raised over how earlier complaints were handled within party and youth organisations. Some witnesses claimed concerns were previously downplayed or ignored.The SNP said it welcomed the verdict and has since ordered a review of its complaints procedures, while the Scottish Youth Parliament said it recognised the seriousness of the case and had cooperated fully with investigations.Authorities said the conviction followed a detailed probe, with officials hoping the sentencing brings some measure of justice to the victims.
