Sheridan back in court on perjury charges
Former MSP Tommy Sheridan and his wife appeared in court
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By James Christie. |  |
Monday, 26, Oct 2009 01:24
By Richard James.
Former MSP Tommy Sheridan and his wife Gail appeared at the high court in Glasgow today for a preliminary hearing relating to charges of perjury.
Mr Sheridan is charged with lying under oath following a newspaper defamation case.
Both he and his wife have denied lying in court during the former MSP's £200,000 libel action against the News of the World back in 2006.
The tabloid had made a series of sensational claims about Mr Sheridan's private life, including allegations he visited swinger's clubs.
Following his successful legal action, the crown office asked police to investigate whether any witnesses had lied during the court case.
In March of this year the pair were both charged, Mr Sheridan with one charge of perjury and another of attempting to persuade someone else to commit perjury.
Mrs Sheridan faces one charge of perjury.
An original trial date was set for February 2010, but it has now been postponed to allow the couple, both 45, and their legal team to prepare their defence.
Mr Sheridan's legal representatives told the court today it was "wholly unrealistic" that the trial could start in February.
Judge Lord Kinclaven adjourned the case until 14 December when an official trial date is set to be set.
The Glasgow Evening Times quote the couple's solicitor Aamer Anwar as saying on Monday: "At the preliminary hearing diet, Mr and Mrs Sheridan maintained their innocence and are determined to fight this."
Mr Sheridan is standing as an MP in the Glasgow North East by-election in November.