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Former council leader jailed for sexually assaulting young men
Jordan Linden, a former SNP council leader for North Lanarkshire, was jailed for 18 months after being convicted of sexually assaulting five young men and directing unwanted sexual communications toward seven teenagers. The offences occurred over 2011–2021. He denied all charges, with a March conviction and a May 6, 2026 sentencing, and was placed on the sex offenders register.
Why It Matters
The case raises concerns about safeguarding and accountability for political figures and organizations that work with young people, and it prompted review of the SNP's complaints process and youth parliamentary safeguarding practices.
Timeline
5 Events
SNP reaction and youth parliament response
May 6, 2026
First Minister John Swinney apologized to victims and ordered an independent review of the SNP's complaints process; he welcomed the 18-month sentence. The Scottish Youth Parliament said that external investigations into 2016 allegations found no evidence of criminality based on the information available at the time and that it had referred allegations to Police Scotland and supported investigations, while emphasising its safeguarding improvements.
May 6, 2026 sentencing: 18 months and sex offender registry
May 6, 2026
Sheriff Christopher Shead jailed Linden for 18 months and placed him on the sex offenders register. He said custody was the only appropriate disposal. Linden showed no emotion as the sentence was announced.
March 2026 trial verdicts: conviction and acquittals
March 2026
Linden was convicted in March following a seven-day trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court for sexually assaulting five young men and directing unwanted sexual communications towards seven teenagers. He was found not guilty of a sixth charge of sexual assault and was acquitted of five other charges of stalking and sexual communication.
Linden arrested in 2024
2024
Linden was arrested in 2024.
Linden stands down as North Lanarkshire Council leader in 2022
2022
Linden stood down as leader of North Lanarkshire Council in 2022 after the allegations emerged; he resigned from the post a few weeks later.