Juror in Sheridan trial discharged by judge

ONE of the jurors in the perjury trial of former Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan was discharged by the judge today.

• Gail and Tommy Sheridan

The remaining 14 members of the jury will continue to hear the case at the High Court in Glasgow.

The trial judge, Lord Bracadale, told the jury this morning: "I have excused juror number eight from continuing to serve on the jury.

"I direct that the trial continues before the remaining 14 of you."

He said further directions would be given to the jury in due course.

Sheridan denies lying to the courts during his successful defamation action against the News of the World in 2006, which followed the newspaper's claims that he was an adulterer who visited swingers' clubs.

He and his wife Gail, both 46, are accused of lying under oath during the case.

Today, the trial heard evidence from Steve Arnott, who was the regional organiser for the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) in the Highlands.

He also served on the party's executive between 2000 and 2006, before joining Solidarity.

Mr Arnott, 48, was the latest defence witness to be asked about draft minutes from an emergency meeting of the party held following the publication of the News of the World article about a married MSP visiting swingers' clubs.

He said that he was not present at the meeting on November 9, 2004 but said that at a later meeting on November 24 no draft minutes were produced or ratified.

Mr Arnott was also shown a short section of a video tape allegedly showing Sheridan incriminating himself.

The tape was obtained by the News of the World after Sheridan's defamation action at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Mr Arnott told Sheridan, who is conducting his own defence: "I don't think it is you, Tommy.

"Obviously it does sound a wee bit like you but it is made to sound a wee bit like you.

"I have known you for 24 years. That is someone doing your public voice, your public persona, and doing it in a very rough way."

Mr Arnott said he felt the amount of swearing in the tape also indicated that it was not Sheridan speaking.

He said: "I have perhaps heard you say f*** 24 times in 24 years. That sounds like Cartman from South Park there."

Sheridan is accused of making false statements as a witness on July 21, 2006.

Mrs Sheridan is accused of making false statements on July 31, 2006, after being sworn in as a witness in the civil jury trial. They both deny the charges.

The trial continues.