Sheridans in court over perjury

The couple have denied the allegations of perjury

Socialist former MSP Tommy Sheridan and his wife Gail have appeared in court accused of perjury.

The couple, both aged 44, were greeted by a throng of supporters outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court, where they appeared separately and in private.

Neither made any plea or declaration and they were released on bail.

The proceedings relate to evidence given during Mr Sheridan's defamation victory against the News of the World newspaper in 2006.

The newspaper had published sex and drug claims against the former Glasgow MSP, who later left the Scottish Socialist Party to form Solidarity.

An investigation was launched after a judge said conflicting evidence in the trial may have meant some people were perjuring themselves.

Mr Sheridan and his wife have denied the allegations and criticised the way Lothian and Borders Police handled the investigation.