Ex-Scottish MSP convicted of perjury over adultery case

25 Dec 2010
Ex-Scottish MSP convicted of perjury over adultery case

Mr Tommy Sheridan, 46, also the former leader of the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP), had been accused of adultery and visiting a sex club during an SSP executive meeting in 2006 by the News of the World newspaper, but he won the case at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, and was awarded £200,000 for damages.

Two months later the newspaper published a video tape, secretly made of Mr Sheridan's visit to the sex club in Manchester by Mr Sheridan's “best man” Mr George McNeilage, and the case was opened again.

Dozens of witnesses have given evidence against the ex-MSP during the resulting trail at the High Court in Glasgow in October although his wife has said that she will always stand by his side whatever happens.

The politician has accused police of conducting "a vendetta" against him during their investigation and has claimed the tape was "a fabrication designed to incriminate" him.

Mr Sheridan has been given bail and faces a prison term when he is sentenced on 26 January.

Lord Bracadale requested background reports and said any submissions by Sheridan could be made at the sentencing hearing next month.

In a statement, the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP), said, “The verdict would now define him.”

It stated, "By his actions over six years, Tommy Sheridan has disgraced himself and negated his political contribution to the socialist cause over 25 years.”

"History will now record that he did more harm to the socialist cause in Scotland than any good he ever did it."



Category: Celebrity Adultery News

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