The News of the World has welcomed a police investigation into the apparent lies told by witnesses in the Tommy Sheridan libel trial.
On Friday, a jury found in the favour of MSP Sheridan over claims in the Scottish News of the World that he went to a swingers’ club and took part in orgies.
After hearing 22 days of evidence the jury took three hours to reach a verdict and awarded Sheridan £200,000.
The newspaper has already indicated it plans to appeal a jury decision which it believes is “perverse”.
And in a leader comment yesterday the paper said: “Any idea that the News of the World’s 18 vital witnesses in the Tommy Sheridan libel case all lied is monstrous.
“Aside from four, who we paid for various stories and information, the other 14 had had no dealings with this newspaper whatsoever.
“So, in addition to our appeal against the perverse verdict, we welcome a formal legal investigation into claims of perjury. Just as we look forward to seeing Mr Sheridan in court again.”
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