Tommy Sheridan sacks his perjury trial lawyer to defend himself | The Sun |Home Scotland|Scottish News

TOMMY Sheridan yesterday sacked his THIRD lawyer in his fight over allegations made about his sex life.

The former MSP axed QC Maggie Scott during his perjury trial, saying he had lost confidence in her and she "failed to follow" his instructions.

His move comes after he gave Donald Findlay QC the boot before the trial at the High Court in Glasgow had even begun.

And yesterday's sacking echoes back to four years ago when Sheridan, 46, axed lawyer Richard Keen and represented himself in his libel action against the News of the World after they printed claims about his sex life. He won £200,000 in damages.

Explaining his decision to sack Miss Scott, Sheridan told the court: "There has been a loss of confidence due to a failure to follow my instructions in cross examination of Crown witnesses on key aspects of my defence.

"I have withdrawn instructions from counsel and feel that I must represent myself."

The ex-Scottish Socialist Party leader and his wife Gail, 46, are on trial accused of lying under oath during the 2006 libel case. They deny the charges.

Sheridan added: "This is a path I must choose.

"This is not a decision taken lightly by myself or my family, but we feel that I have no option."

Sheridan said he would make a motion to recall witnesses who have already given evidence at the trial.

He also asked for time to "familiarise myself with the court papers that any experienced counsel would have been given by the court".

Judge Lord Bracadale agreed it was a "reasonable request".

He adjourned the case until Thursday, when the court will only sit in the morning, to give Sheridan time to prepare.

The ex-MSP said he also "retained total confidence" in his instructing lawyer Aamer Anwar.

Sheridan said he will continue to be supported by Mr Anwar in the course of his defence.

The ex-MSP told the judge: "I have been advised in detail by Mr Anwar of the consequences of not having counsel and the tremendous burdens I will place upon myself by choosing this path."

Despite axing Miss Scott QC, Sheridan said he was "extremely grateful" to her.

He thanked her and her team for putting in an "enormous amount of time in preparing my defence". He added: "I am very privileged to have been represented by them."

The jury was not in court yesterday when Miss Scott QC - who has represented Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi - revealed she was no longer acting for Sheridan.

She told Lord Bracadale: "I have to advise that this morning my instructions have been withdrawn.

"Mr Sheridan wishes to represent himself in this case. That being so, I seek leave to withdraw."

The trial started on Monday last week and has already heard from several witnesses who have told the jury that Sheridan admitted visiting a swingers' club during an executive committee meeting of the SSP in 2004. Former SSP leader Colin Fox has told the court Sheridan asked him to lie about minutes of the meeting where he allegedly confessed to visiting the club.

And the jury has also seen part of a video where a man, identified by witnesses as Sheridan, admitted visiting the club in Manchester called Cupid's.

Sheridan originally had the services of Donald Findlay QC in the run-up to the perjury trial before he hired Miss Scott QC. He parted company with Mr Findlay in September last year but gave no reason for the move.

The ex-MSP had hired former Rangers vice-chairman Mr Findlay - one of Scotland's most successful defence lawyers - in 2007.

Lord Bracadale yesterday informed jurors Sheridan would mount his own defence. He told them: "I thank you for your patience. You will see Miss Scott and her junior counsel are no longer here.

"Mr Sheridan has instructed his solicitor to withdraw counsel instructions. Mr Sheridan will now conduct his own defence.

"An accused person is perfectly entitled to do so."

Lord Bracadale, right, also confirmed to the jury Sheridan would continue to be supported by Mr Anwar in the course of his defence.

He said: "He will continue to have the support of his solicitor. He has asked for time to prepare his own defence. This is a reasonable request."

The indictment against the Sheridans contains a total of three charges.

It is alleged Sheridan made false statements as a witness in the defamation action on July 21, 2006. He also denies a charge of attempting to persuade Colin Fox to commit perjury shortly before the case got under way at the Court of Session.

Gail Sheridan - who is being represented by Paul McBride QC - denies making false statements on July 31, 2006, as a witness in the civil jury trial.

The Sheridans left court hand in hand, accompanied by Mr Anwar, about half an hour after the jury was told of his decision. No evidence was heard yesterday. Trial continues.