Ex-diplomat Craig Murray could be elected MSP and sent to jail on the same day

Ex-diplomat and controversial blogger Craig Murray could be elected an MSP and jailed on the same day, supporters have said.

Craig Murray, the former British ambassador to Uzbekistan, has been found to be in contempt of court

The former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan has been chosen as number one candidate on the Lothian list for Action for Independence (AFI) in the May 6 Holyrood elections.

But yesterday he was found to be in contempt of court over articles he wrote about the Alex Salmond trial on his blog. He could face up to two years in prison and is due back in court on May 7, the day the votes are counted.

Mr Murray, 61, a former member of the SNP, attended two days of Mr Salmond's trial on a series of sex charges last year, when the former First Minister was cleared on all counts.

Judge Lady Dorrian ruled some of his articles and tweets constituted contempt of court because of material which could have identified four of the women involved.

Mr Murray's lawyer, John Scott QC, said the blog page had already been taken down.

He also said Mr Murray's partner had given birth in February to their son, which would be factored into the social work report ahead of sentencing.

Hugh Kerr, regional secretary of AFI in Lothian, said: “Craig Murray could become elected to the Scottish Parliament on May 7, the same day he is likely to be sentenced to prison. He will become Scotland’s first political prisoner and can take up his seat unless sentenced to more than one year imprisonment.“

Mr Murray said: “My first act if elected to the Scottish Parliament will be to introduce a bill declaring Scottish independence and organising a confirmatory vote.”

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