We thought people outside Scotland may be interested to view two BBC Scotland discussions about the sentencing of Tommy Sheridan. The first is from "The Politics Show" broadcast yesterday afternoon where Gregor Gall, John Curtice and myself discuss the implications of the trial for the Scottish Left. That debate begins 31.30 minutes into the Programme.
The second link is from yesterday evening's Newsnight Scotland where there is an interview with Mr Sheridan's lawyer Aamer Anwar. George Galloway and two witnesses from the trial, Francis Curran and Phillip Stott also discuss the outcome of the case and it's political implications. You can view the full programme Here
Two of the best known Scottish political journalists, Kenneth Roy and Ian Macwhiter have articles published on the Sheridan case this morning that we thought may be of interest
Ian Macwhirter Writes
"This whole episode has been a farce - and an expensive one for the tax payers who have to pay most of the costs of the police investigation and the trial. Even the sentence was a joke. Sheridan will spent a year or so in Castle Huntly open prison, burnishing his anti-establishment image, then he’ll be back on the streets again, surrounded by cheering admirers. He will use his time in prison wisely, no doubt writing his memoirs - which is how disgraced politicians traditionally use such enforced leisure - and campaigning for penal reform. He may even be back on the campaign trail for the Holyrood elections in 2015. Well, why not? There is nothing to prevent a convicted criminal, even one who lied under oath, from standing for parliament after he has paid his debt to society."
The Guardian's Scottish correspondent, Severin Carrell, has just reported, via Twitter, that Gail Sheridan has confirmed she will not be standing as a candidate in the 2011 Holyrood elections. More information to come when we get it.
Update 1pm
BBC Scotland's Raymond Buchanan has confirmed the story and has this quote from Gail Sheridan "I would have welcomed the challenge" of Holyrood but priority is caring for young daughter now husband in jail.
BBC Radio Scotland yesterday broadcast a thirty minute programme, "The Trials of Tommy" which has actors recreating key parts of the trial. This can be heard Here
The three commentators on the case are Raymond Buchanan of the BBC, Alison Campsie of the Herald and myself,
The BBC have posted a full transcript of Tommy Sheridan's speech of mitigation.
As court resumed this morningm Lord Bracadale, the presiding judge in the trial of Her Majesties Advocate Vs Thomas Sheridan, warned those attending not to engage in any "inappropriate behavior," Tommy Sheridan rose from his seat in the dock of court number four to begin his plea in mitigation.
Mr Sheridan began by thanking the court workers, including the canteen staff, for their assistance in what had been a "long trial." Mr Sheridan then told the court that he "recognised the jury had carried out a difficult task" in a case that was "long and arduous." He then stated that the court would be aware "by fair means or foul" that he had been convicted by "the narrowest of majorities." adding that while he agreed that perjury was a serious crime that "strikes at the heart of justice" it was important to look at the context in which he brought his case against the News of the World.
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| Bernard Ponsonby |
Shortly before his sentencing Tommy Sheridan conducted an interview with Scottish Television's Bernard Ponsonby
The full video of that interview can be viewed Here
