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Andy Coulson cleared of perjury

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson has been cleared of lying at the trial of former socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan after the case against him collapsed.

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Coulson 'delighted' by decision to end perjury trial

Former News of the World Editor Andy Coulson has said he was "delighted" about Lord Burns' decision that he had no case to answer at a perjury trial in Edinburgh.

Speaking outside court Mr Coulson said:

I am obviously delighted by the judge's decision today. It was the right decision. I would like to thank him, I would like to thank the jury for their patience and I would like to thank my brilliant legal team.

This prosecution was always wrong. I didn't lie and the prosecution, in my view, was a gross waste of public money.

I am just delighted that after four pretty testing years that my family and myself have finally had a good day.

– Andy Coulson

Ex-News of the World editor Coulson cleared of perjury

Andy Coulson arrives at the High Court in Edinburgh, where his perjury trial has collapsed. Credit: PA

Former News of the World editor Andy Coulson has been cleared of perjury as case against him collapses at the High Court in Edinburgh

Mr Coulson had been accused of committing perjury at the 2010 trial of former socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan.

Trial judge Lord Burns upheld a defence motion that Coulson, from Kent - a former director of communications for the Prime Minister - had no case to answer.

Delivering his ruling, Lord Burns said he had "sustained the arguments in favour of the accused" and told Coulson: "I acquit you of the charge."

He gave his decision on Monday following two days of legal submissions from Mr Coulson's defence QC but it could not be reported until today as the Crown was given time to decide whether to appeal against the ruling.

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