Former Scottish Socialist Party leader Tommy Sheridan has been sentenced to three years in prison for perjury.
The 46-year-old was found guilty of lying during his defamation case against the News of the World newspaper in 2006 in which he successfully sued for £200, 000 after the red top alleged he was an adulterer and swinger.
Sheridan appealed for leniency but judge Lord Bracadale told Sheridan was unmoved saying: “You brought the walls of the temple crashing down not only on your own head but also on your family and your political friends and foes.”
Two months after Sheridan won his case against the News Of The World the paper published details of a video in which Mr Sheridan apparently admitted visiting a sex club.
Sheridan was charged with perjury the following year.
Outside court, the former politician remained defiant and vowed to appeal against his conviction and announced that he would be launching legal action against the News of the World, the Police and convicted phone hacker Glenn Mulcaire.
Sheridan’s wife Gail, who was acquitted of perjury last week also remained defiant, telling reporters: “The real reason why he has been imprisoned today is because he has fought injustice, inequality, with every beat of his heart. But it won’t be long before Tommy is back stronger and continuing the fight.”
