Andy Coulson to ‘vigorously contest’ perjury charge

ANDY Coulson will “vigorously contest” a perjury charge over the Tommy Sheridan trial, his lawyer said today.

As reported in later editions of yesterday’s Evening Express, Mr Coulson, David Cameron’s former communications chief, was arrested by officers from Strathclyde Police.

The 44-year-old was detained for questioning at Govan police station after being taken there from his London home by the Strathclyde officers.

It was later confirmed he had been arrested and charged with perjury.

A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal which will decide if Coulson is to face court proceedings.

The former News of the World editor gave evidence at Sheridan’s perjury trial at the High Court in Glasgow in December 2010, while he was employed by Downing Street as director of communications.

At the trial, he claimed he had no knowledge of illegal activities by reporters during the time that he was editor of the now-defunct newspaper.

Mr Coulson’s solicitor Jo Rickards said today he will “vigorously contest” the perjury allegations if they result in a trial.