Tommy Sheridan's illness halts perjury trial for 3 days

Mr 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.

They are accused of lying under oath during Mr Sheridan's 2006 defamation action against the News of the World. They deny the allegations.

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

Yesterday, the jury entered the court just after 10am and were told by the judge, Lord Bracadale: "I have to tell you that Mr Sheridan is unwell. You will see that he is not in court." He said Mr Sheridan had seen a doctor on Monday afternoon who had certified him as unfit to attend court yesterday. "The doctor will review the situation on Thursday," the judge said.

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