Former Scottish Youth Parliament Chairman Allegedly Cornered Teen
A former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament testified at trial that he was "cornered" in a hotel room at age 14 by the then chairman of the parliament.
Jordan Linden, 30, a former SNP council leader, faces allegations involving eight boys and five young men spanning from 2011 to 2022. The alleged victims were between 14 and 22 years old at the time of the incidents.
Linden, who resigned as leader of North Lanarkshire Council in 2022, denies 24 charges including sexual assault, stalking, sexual communication, and statutory breach of the peace.
Testimony Describes Incident at Hotel in Renfrewshire
The witness described Linden, previously characterized to jurors as a figure with "a lot of power in the SNP," as showing sexual interest in him, which he did not reciprocate.
He recounted being a "skinny" 14-year-old when Linden, "heavy set, six foot three or four," and five years his senior, entered his hotel room in Renfrewshire where youth parliament members were staying during a session.
The man initially believed they were going to talk before an evening event he was preparing for. He said:
"He started adjusting and fixing my tie. He was very close to me. I think I let him.
Then we were in the other corner of the room chatting and I remember him standing over me. He was tickling or prodding me.
As I was backing away he was saying 'you don't like it, what're you going to do about it, what're you going to do about it' ?"
Prosecutor Alistair McDermid asked what made him uncomfortable, to which the witness responded:
"He was much bigger than me, standing over me, physically intimidating me, and I felt he was interested in me in a sexual way that wasn't reciprocated."
The witness said he believed Linden noticed his discomfort and "really recoiling," after which Linden left. The incident reportedly occurred in 2016.
He further testified that Linden sent him suggestive messages that became "increasingly flirtatious," including Snapchat pictures that grew more revealing, such as "almost but not quite nude" selfies taken in the bath.
Emotional Reaction to Linden’s Resignation
The man told the jury that when Linden stepped down as chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament following an investigation, the announcement left him in tears due to how it was presented.
He explained that members were informed during a parliament session, and said:
"Another member of the board, Thomas Mair, went up and made a speech that it was very sad that Jordan was no longer chair and suggested that it was unfair reasons, so I walked out of the conference room.
It was quite visible because I was sat in the middle of the audience. I was crying."
The witness added that others who had experienced more severe incidents with Linden had reported to the board or staff, but the announcement gave the impression that all allegations were fabricated.
He said:
"I resented the suggestion that he'd had to step down unfairly."
Trial Continues
The trial is ongoing before Sheriff Christopher Shead and a jury at Falkirk Sheriff Court.
