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Red Justice · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject: Defend Tommy Sheridan

http://www.defendtommysheridan.org

Show support on Monday Organisers of the campaign set up to defend Tommy Sheridan against a political witch-hunt have called on supporters to rally outside of the High Court when Sheridan and his partner Gail appear at a preliminary hearing. Jim Monaghan, spokesperson for the Defend Tommy Sheridan Campaign, said:

"we are calling on supporters of the campaign, and others with an interest in justice, to come to the court to show their support for Tommy and Gail. Politicians who claim expenses fraudulently are seemingly immune from the law, yet Tommy is singled out for a massive investigation that is going nowhere. From the start, this case has been a political witch hunt."

The hearing takes place on Monday 13 July at 10.00am at Edinburgh's High Court.

Defend Tommy Sheridan

Solidarity have called on the Crown Office to explain the millions of pounds of public money allocated to the pursuit of the partys' Co-Convenor, Tommy Sheridan. Lothian and Borders Police have been investigating the case for nearly two years with, at times, dozens of officers working full-time. Solidarity Press Spokesperson, Hugh Kerr, said:

"The question of why this investigation was launched, and the resources allocated to it, has never been answered. This is a waste of public money and a distraction of Police resources that cannot be justified."

Sheridan and his partner Gail are due to appear at a preliminary hearing on Monday 13 July at the High Court in Edinburgh at 10.00am. Kerr called on Solidarity members to join him in a show of solidarity at the court:

"All socialists, trade unionists and activists should rally against this attack on our comrades. Tommy Sheridan has never failed to stand by the people in struggle and it's time for us to get behind him to end this politically motivated action."

http://www.solidarityscotland.org

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“For socialists, independence is not about the colour or type of flag flying on our public buildings. It is about creating a better society. It is about putting people before profit"
Tommy Sheridan
http://scottishsocfree.blogspot.com

Stevie · Independentist Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Posts: 1179

I don't mean to be asking stupid questions but what is Tommy Sheridan accused of exactly.

I heard he perjured himself.

I've always had tremendous respect for him, so I'm genuinely asking.
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Every man dies, not every man really lives.

Alba gu bràth!

Red Justice · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject:

As this is an ongoing case I would prefer not to comment as proceedings are live but support all efforts to clear his name.

Here is the bbc report below:

Sheridan denies perjury charges

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8147950.stm

Former Solidarity MSP Tommy Sheridan and his wife Gail have pleaded not guilty to charges of perjury.

The couple lodged the pleas during a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The charges relate to evidence during Mr Sheridan's defamation victory over the News of the World in 2006 following publication of sex and drugs claims.

The couple, who are both aged 45, were charged with perjury in December 2007 following an investigation by police.

The case will be heard in January next year at the High Court in Glasgow, and could be the longest perjury trial in Scottish legal history, with a prosecution witness list currently extending to more than 180 names.
_________________
“For socialists, independence is not about the colour or type of flag flying on our public buildings. It is about creating a better society. It is about putting people before profit"
Tommy Sheridan
http://scottishsocfree.blogspot.com

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Here's the indictment.

There are lots of aspects to the charges

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/n...n_perjuy_case_full_indictment.php

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 12:56 pm Post subject:

The introduction of a new allegation from Colin Fox, off his own back, is a new situation in that the SSP members who are backing the News of the World had previously claimed to be "dragged" into court "against their will".

There will be another hearing between now and the trial. probably in the autumn.

It will be interesting to see what develops from the issue raised by Aamer Anwar yesterday re the NotW bugging allegations.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:07 pm Post subject:

The indictment, of course, is the crown case against Tommy and Gail so is one-sided, I am surprised the Herald reporter didnt use it as a tool for information and instead chose to publish it in it's entireity, never seen that done before.

"As for the bugging stuff, I don't see how that relates to the charges on the indictment."

It doesnt directly but relates to the nature of the investigation and, as a separate issue needs to be addresssed in light of the Guardian reporting that Tommy was one of those targetted by the illegal activity of NotW. I didnt actually say it was related to the indictment, only that it will be interesting to see. If the NotW were involved in illegally bugging Tommy then he will likely sue, like the others, and that will effect the case in my opinion.

"I mean, whether there was a bug in the car or not has no bearing on whether Gail Sheridan was in Miami when she claimed to be at home and so on."

Obviously not. I dont believe that Gail did actually say she was at home when Tommy made that specific call, not from my reading of the court records.

"Think the defence team will not get far with that and will have to continue the conspiracy narrative."

The defence team havent started yet so it would be a mistake for you to assume they are adopting any specific narrative, most of the case against is easily challengeable in a criminal trial where proof beyond doubt is required.

In my opinion, the next few months and the hearing that will take place before the trial will clarify a lot of points.

"was surprised by the Colin Fox issue, but I guess if you are asked about something by the police then you will give them an answer."

No, you dont need to answer anything that you dont want to. Fox has voluntarily brought up a meeting and is offering a version of events that will amount to nothing more than hearsay. What surprises me is that Fox wants to be involved, after the damage it caused the SSP last time, and that the Crown would add this as a charge when it is just a matter of one persons word against another.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject:

I think Fox volunteered the information. It wont amount to anything though is it cant be proved to the level required for a criminal conviction. It will damage Fox though.

"As for the Gail thing, she certainly did say she was with Tommy when, according to the Crown, she was in Miami."

It is only an interpretation of what she said that places her at home when Tommy called directory enquiries.

"I've still got a feeling this might not go to trial."

I dont think Gails case will go to trial but think that they seem determined to go ahead with Tommys case so I disagree about it not going to trial.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:41 pm Post subject:

He is on the list that the Crown wish to call as witnesses, that doesnt mean anything. It is an extensive list that includes many that were witnesses for Tommy first time around.

You are barking up the wrong tree on the Sheridans 'folding'.

As you are new to the site I should inform you that I am closely involved with the Sheridans and their defence so possibly have an advantage when discussing this issue.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 3:54 pm Post subject:

"The reason I thought he must be a Crown witness is that he appears as c/o the police, which is generally the form when someone has given a statement in support of the case."

No, you are mistaken, that is the same as others who are appearing. You are reading too much into that as is your source in Socialist Unity.

"Not sure whether being close to the Sheridans gives you an advantage. It seems like the defenders have been wrong a lot of the way, suggesting the case was going nowhere and was to be dropped and so on."

The point above highlights the 'advantage'. Being involved means there are things that I dont need to speculate on, and know as facts re the case.

"As for Socialist Unity, wow! It's a home for people to scream abuse at each other."

Its a typical left 'wasps nest' and anything posted re Sheridan on that site is accompanied by SSP members (under pseudonyms) spreading bile.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject:

You should put the idea that Sheridans Brother in Law is standing against him out of your mind, its a nonsense reaction by SSP members who are clutching at straws, there are many people listed as c/o police, it means nothing.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 4:23 pm Post subject:

No that isnt the 'form' yopu are misinformed.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48

Rinty · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 4:46 pm Post subject:

Then Gail Sheridans aunt, Annie Healy is also part of the crown witnesses against as is Matt McColl, Rosemary Byrne, Graeme McIver and others.

I can assure you that there is nothing in this and there is no 'form' for guessing what a witness will say based on them using a "c/o police' address.

alfred · Confirmed TROLL Joined: 13 Jul 2009 Posts: 48