Scottish socialist Tommy Sheridan left prison for a family visit today and prepared to spend his first day of freedom watching the development of the News of the World phone-hacking scandal on TV.
Sheridan, 47, wife Gail and his sister Lynn were armed with several shopping bags as they arrived back at his home in Cardonald, Glasgow, shortly after 11am.
Lynn said: ”He is going to be spending time with his family today and we’ve nothing much planned – but I’m sure BBC News 24 will be on all day.”
His delighted six-year-old daughter Gabrielle ran out of the house yelling ”Daddy!” after he emerged from a silver Honda CRV.
Wearing jeans, white Adidas trainers and a green t-shirt emblazoned with the word ‘Brazil’, he scooped her up and carried her into the house while carrying bags which appeared to contain wrapped presents.
Sheridan, out on week-long leave, refused to speak to waiting reporters.
Sister Lynn said: ”It’s inappropriate for Tommy to say anything at this time. We’re absolutely elated that he is back.”
Sheridan, who for years accused the Murdoch press of phone-hacking and the police of collusion, was sentenced to three years earlier this year for a perjury conviction.
He had previously successfully sued the News of the World for defamation over the newspaper’s claims that the socialist politician was an adulterer who had visited a swingers’ club.
During the perjury trial, allegations were raised by Sheridan that his mobile phone was hacked into by private investigator Glenn Mulcaire.
Witness statements at his trial are now to be probed following fresh allegations in the News of the World phone hacking scandal.
But today Sheridan is preparing to put his feet up and watch Rupert Murdoch, son James and former News International Chief Executive Rebekah Brooks face a Select Committee grilling.
He was set to tuck into some grub which his family had bought from Greggs the bakers earlier.
At about 9am – when Sheridan left jail – Gail appeared at the window in a baby pink nightie, preparing fresh bed sheets and linen.
Little Gabrielle also appeared at the window dressed in a matching baby pink dressing gown.
Shortly after 10.30am, and with Tommy’s big welcome home seeming imminent, his sister Lynn arrived at the house and was followed shortly after by Tommy’s brother.
After leaving Gabrielle with her uncle and a stash of goodies from high street bakers Greggs, Gail and Lynn sped off in their car.
Regardless of any wrongdoing by NewsCorp/International, Sheridan was found to be a liar and perjurer with overwhelming evidence coming from former friends and colleagues.
Sadly, Sheridan’s ego will lead him to continue to insist that the phone-hacking scandal somehow makes him innocent………still living in cloud cuckoo land and GUILTY, GUILTY GUILTY!!!!!
I think the only reason that Tommy’s sister says it would be inappropriate for him to be saying anything at the moment is because the price wasnt right….He and his wife will squeal like pigs if handed a wad of notes. They’ll bide their time and will have plenty to say in due course for a price. Like their tan’s they’re fake.