A star is born

Two weeks ago, the guys that I occasionally go for a pint with on a Friday evening were discussing the Sheridan case. The unanimous view (including mine) was that Tommy was finished. There was no way back. Bankruptcy, ridicule, even perjury were on the cards. But the people have spoken; and The News of the World finds itself in the gutter where it belongs. The BBC reports:

"Tommy Sheridan has won his defamation case against the News of the World.
A jury of six men and five women took three hours to dismiss the tabloid's claims the Socialist MSP was a serial adulterer and swinger who used drugs.
Mr Sheridan, 42, who represented himself, said the victory was the equivalent of Gretna FC beating Real Madrid on penalties.
The Sunday tabloid was ordered to pay Mr Sheridan £200,000 damages. It said it planned to appeal the verdict.
Mr Sheridan won his case on a majority verdict of seven to four."

No word on costs.

But let us hail a new star in the political firmament. The only person who could have saved Mr Sheridan. The star of the trial, the new arbiter of women's fashion, the woman who stood by her man, the air hostess who has flown above the clouds. Gail for First Minister!


Update:

On the question of costs, The Scotsman offers the following:

"After the jury was dismissed this afternoon by Lord Turnbull, the presiding judge, Mr Sheridan inquired about his expenses and was told he could launch a formal motion within seven days."

which does not really take us much further.