Jordan Linden, the former SNP council leader for Falkirk, is in prison after being jailed for 18 months on 6 May 2026 for a series of sex offences against young men and boys committed over a decade. He was convicted of 10 separate offences at Falkirk Sheriff Court and sentenced the same day by Sheriff Christopher Shead, who ruled that custody was the only appropriate disposal.
Who Is Jordan Linden?
Jordan Linden, 30, served as the leader of Falkirk Council, representing the Scottish National Party. He was regarded as a rising figure within Scottish local politics and was seen by some as a future force in the SNP. Linden left the SNP in 2024 after allegations against him began to emerge publicly, ahead of any formal proceedings. He had represented the Camelon and Larbert ward and was widely known in Falkirk’s political circles.
What Were the Offences?
Linden was found guilty of 10 separate criminal charges, including five sexual assaults, offences relating to sexual communication, and a course of conduct causing fear and alarm to victims. The offences were committed between 2011 and 2021 and took place at locations in North Lanarkshire and elsewhere in Scotland. The victims were young men and boys. The charges covered a significant period of time and involved multiple individuals, demonstrating a pattern of predatory behaviour rather than an isolated incident.
Trial and Conviction
Following a trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, Linden was convicted on 10 charges in March 2026. The prosecution presented evidence covering the full span of the alleged conduct, and the court heard from multiple witnesses. Linden denied the charges and contested the case at trial. After conviction, his case was continued for sentencing reports to be prepared. He was the subject of significant national media coverage given his senior political role, and his conviction prompted immediate calls for an inquiry into how complaints had previously been handled within his party.
Sentencing and Sex Offenders Register
On 6 May 2026, Sheriff Christopher Shead sentenced Jordan Linden to 18 months in prison. The Sheriff stated he had carefully considered submissions from Linden’s defence lawyer David Moggach KC but concluded that a custodial sentence was the only appropriate response given the nature and extent of the offending. In addition to the prison term, Linden was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years. This registration will require him to notify police of changes to his name, address, and other personal details for a decade following his release. If you need to find a prisoner in the UK, our guide explains how the system works.
SNP Response and Review
The case triggered a significant political response. First Minister John Swinney ordered an independent review of the SNP’s internal complaints and disciplinary processes in the wake of concerns about how allegations against Linden had been handled within the party over the years. Swinney publicly urged Linden to apologise to his victims following the conviction. The case added to wider scrutiny of political parties’ ability to self-regulate misconduct allegations, particularly those of a sexual nature. Linden’s conviction represents one of the most prominent criminal cases involving a serving council leader in recent Scottish political history. For information on booking a prison visit to someone serving a sentence in Scotland, our guide covers the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Jordan Linden do to go to prison?
Jordan Linden was convicted of 10 sex offences, including five sexual assaults, sexual communication offences, and causing fear and alarm through a course of conduct. The offences were committed between 2011 and 2021 against young men and boys in North Lanarkshire and other Scottish locations.
How long is Jordan Linden’s prison sentence?
Jordan Linden was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Falkirk Sheriff Court on 6 May 2026. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years following his release.
Was Jordan Linden still in the SNP when he was convicted?
No. Jordan Linden left the SNP in 2024 before his trial commenced. Allegations had become public and he departed the party prior to any formal criminal proceedings concluding. He had previously led Falkirk Council as an SNP member.
What was the SNP response to Jordan Linden being jailed?
First Minister John Swinney ordered an independent review of the SNP’s internal complaints processes following Linden’s conviction. Swinney also publicly called on Linden to apologise to his victims. The case raised broader questions about how political parties handle misconduct complaints internally.
Where is Jordan Linden serving his sentence?
Jordan Linden was remanded and is serving his sentence in the Scottish prison estate. The specific institution to which he has been allocated has not been officially confirmed in public reporting. Scottish prisoners are typically allocated to establishments managed by the Scottish Prison Service based on location and security category.
