Gill Sturgeon: Charges dropped against Nicola Sturgeon's sister

Gillian Sturgeon, 46, was arrested on Wednesday, August 11 in connection with an alleged domestic incident in Kilwinning on Saturday, August 7, when police previously arrested Steven Waite, aged 50.

However the Times was told Crown prosecutors are now dropping the charges - with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirming the case itself remains live with the decision open to review.

The Times understand the charges against Steven Waite are also to be dropped.

A spokesperson said: “This matter remains live for the purposes of the Contempt of Court Act 1981.

“In order to protect any future proceedings and to preserve the rights of the complainers, the Crown will not comment at this stage.”

Both complainers have the right to a review of a fiscal's decision not to carry on with criminal proceedings, so the case remains live.

The Victim's Right to Review is carried out by a prosecutor who had no prior involvement with the case. If that does not happen, or the review is rejected, then the cases will be binned permanently.

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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 50-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with an incident that took place within a house in Kilwinning on Saturday, 7 August.  

"He was released on an undertaking to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date. A full report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

“On Wednesday, August 11, a 46-year-old woman was arrested and charged following a report made on Tuesday, August 10 regarding an incident that took place within a house in Kilwinning on Saturday, August 7.  

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"She has been released on an undertaking to appear at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court at a later date.  

"A full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal." 

Police Scotland can be contacted on 101 - in an emergency always dial 999.