Gail Sheridan denies booze theft

Gail Sheridan has worked as BA cabin crew for 23 years

Gail Sheridan, wife of socialist ex-MSP Tommy Sheridan, has denied allegations of theft after she was suspended from her airline cabin crew job.

Lothian and Borders Police had released a statement saying a 44-year-old woman had been arrested and charged.

It is understood the allegations of theft involves miniatures of alcohol.

Mrs Sheridan's lawyer said his client had an unblemished record as a British Airways employee and was determined to prove her innocence.

Mrs Sheridan had served with BA for 23 years, the solicitor added in a statement.

A spokesman for the airline confirmed a member of cabin crew was being investigated.

BA is believed to have taken action after being contacted by Lothian and Borders Police, who searched the Sheridans' home in December in connection with a separate investigation.

The couple and five others have been charged with perjury over Mr Sheridan's successful damages action against the News of the World in 2006.

Mr Sheridan, a former MSP who left the Scottish Socialists to set up Solidarity, was awarded £200,000 damages over the paper's claims that he was a serial adulterer and swinger who used drugs.

He told BBC Scotland: "We are under no illusions that a cruel and vindictive campaign against us is now clearly being conducted by Lothian and Borders Police.

"We will not however be bullied or intimidated. We will fight on to clear our names."

Amer Anwar, the Sheridans' lawyer, said Gail Sheridan "firmly believes she is now a victim of harassment and intolerable behaviour from Lothian and Borders Police and sections of the press".

A spokesman for Solidarity later claimed Lothian and Borders Police were acting in a "desperate and vindictive manner".