Tommy Sheridan "brought the walls of the temple crashing down" around his life and political career by deliberately setting out to lie in court, he was told by a judge as he was jailed for three years.
However, an unapologetic Sheridan immediately launched a new legal battle with his enemies at the News of the World over alleged phone hacking, signalling he has no intention of disappearing from public life.
The former MSP and convicted perjurer was led in handcuffs from the dock of the High Court in Glasgow yesterday to begin his time behind bars, which could be as little as six to nine months under early release provisions. He reportedly commented he had got "a result".
The judge, Lord Bracadale, said Sheridan the politician would find a "place in Scottish history" due to his fight against the poll tax, but he had destroyed his career by suing over newspaper allegations, knowing he would have to lie to succeed.
Sheridan left the court to cheers of "Solidarity" from family and friends, and a short time later released a statement saying he had instructed proceedings against the News of the World over the alleged hacking of his phone.
His wife, Gail, assured supporters Sheridan would emerge from jail anything but a broken man. "Tommy has dedicated his life to helping others," she said. "The real reason why he has been imprisoned today is because he has fought injustice and inequality with every beat of his heart. But it won't be long before Tommy is back, stronger and continuing the fight."
Sheridan confirmed he would be appealing his conviction for perjury, but his solicitor, Aamer Anwar, said he would not be seeking an immediate release from custody pending the hearing of the appeal.
In his statement, read by Mr Anwar, Sheridan said: "For too long, the News of the World has scapegoated and destroyed lives with immunity. This multi-million-pound prosecution will separate me from my wife and child, and that will be heartbreaking. But I will continue to fight a system that protects the real criminals - the rich and powerful.
source:scotsman.com
