Former council leader Jordan Linden jailed for sexual offences

Former SNP council leader Jordan Linden has been jailed for the sexual assault of five men.

Linden stood down as leader of North Lanarkshire Council in 2022 when allegations against him emerged.

He was convicted after a trial in March and was today given an 18-month custodial term at Falkirk Sheriff Court.

The 30-year-old was further placed on the sex offenders register.

The offences happened over a decade from 2011 until 2021. During that time, Linden was chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) and gained election as a councillor.

Linden denied all charges against him but was found guilty of five counts of sexual assault as well as directing unwanted sexual communications to seven teenagers.

He was found not guilty of a sixth sexual assault charge and acquitted of five charges of sexual communication and stalking.

Responding to the sentencing, a spokesperson for the board of the Scottish Youth Parliament said: “SYP recognises the seriousness of this case and the concern it has caused, and we reiterate that our thoughts remain with those who were harmed by Linden’s actions.

“SYP twice commissioned external investigations into how we handled allegations made against Linden in 2016, which established there was no evidence of criminality based on the information we had at that time, and that we had properly followed procedures and guidelines in place. 

“In November 2017, we also referred fresh allegations to Police Scotland, which is responsible for investigating potential criminality, and it later confirmed that no criminality had been established and its inquiry concluded.

“After further allegations emerged in 2022, the SYP fully supported Police Scotland and the Crown Office investigation which subsequently led to Linden’s conviction.

“Throughout this period, SYP referred concerns to the appropriate authorities and cooperated fully with external investigations. We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for all young people and to continually improving its safeguarding practice.

“Our safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures have been reviewed and strengthened on a regular basis, including in 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2024, with further updates planned this year.”