Tommy Sheridan illness forces trial adjournment

The perjury trial of former MSP Tommy Sheridan was today adjourned until Friday after the jury was told the politician was unwell.

• Tommy Sheridan and his wife Gail, who are both on trial for perjury, arrive at an earlier hearing.

Sheridan, who is representing himself in the case and cross-examining witnesses, and his wife Gail, both 46, are on trial at the High Court in Glasgow.

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The couple, from Glasgow, are accused of lying under oath during Sheridan's successful 2006 defamation action against the News of the World. They deny the allegations.

Former Scottish Socialist Party leader and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Sheridan won 200,000 in damages after the newspaper printed claims about his private life.

Today, the jury entered the court just after 10am and were told Sheridan was unwell and that the trial would be adjourned.

The judge, Lord Bracadale, told the jury: "I have to tell you that Mr Sheridan is unwell. You will see that he is not in court."

He said that Sheridan had seen a doctor yesterday afternoon who had certified him as unfit to attend court today.

"The doctor will review the situation on Thursday," Lord Bracadale said.

The trial, which started on October 4, was adjourned until 10am on Friday.

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