Former SNP Council Leader Faces Sexual Assault Allegations from Youth Group Member
A man who claims to be a victim of former SNP council leader Jordan Linden has testified that he was sexually assaulted by the politician approximately one year after Linden was elected. The alleged victim, who is now 29 years old, stated that he knew Linden through the SNP youth organisation 'Young Scots for Independence' (YSI).
Details of the Alleged Incident
The man described a 'traumatic evening' on August 12, 2018, when he and Linden were at Linden's one-bedroom flat in Bellshill, Lanarkshire. They had been drinking alcohol and watching a film together. According to the testimony, sharing a bed was 'common for the YSI group' during campaigning activities, with members often 'sharing beds and sharing cars and things'.
By the time he went to bed, the man said he was 'very drunk'. He woke up to find Linden touching him inappropriately. The alleged victim told the jury: 'I did not want anything to happen and I didn't give consent.' He described experiencing 'a sense of panic' during the incident.
Aftermath and Trial Proceedings
Following the alleged assault, the man claimed he went to the toilet and vomited 'because I was drunk and I was disgusted about what had happened'. During cross-examination, Linden's lawyer David Moggach suggested the man might have 'allowed' the incident to occur because he was 'questioning' his sexuality. The alleged victim firmly rejected this suggestion, responding: 'No. There was absolutely no consent. I was sleeping when it started.'
The testimony was heard during the third day of Linden's trial at Falkirk Sheriff Court, where he faces 21 charges against 12 people. These charges span an 11-year period between 2011 and 2022.
Linden's Political Career Timeline
During the years covered by the allegations, Linden, now 30, was a member of the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP) and later became its chairman. He subsequently served as an SNP councillor and eventually rose to become leader of North Lanarkshire Council. The alleged assault in 2018 occurred approximately one year after Linden became an SNP councillor.
The man testified that he and Linden had initially been close friends through their involvement with Young Scots for Independence. However, their friendship deteriorated when it became clear that Linden had developed 'romantic feelings' toward him that were not reciprocated.
The trial before Sheriff Christopher Shead at Falkirk Sheriff Court continues as more evidence is presented in the case against the former SNP council leader.
