Andy Coulson's Day in Court

Sir Graphus

The hairy-chest stunt from the first Sheridan soap opera aroused my suspicions; it was far too similar to the initial Archer libel case's pimply back moment.

Sir Graphus

I also remember Mrs Sheridan threatening all sorts of violent acts upon Mr Sheridan if he the allegations weren't found libellous; a sort of anti-Mary Archer, if you like, not so much fragrant as fearsome.

I do wonder how that played with the jury; not wholly sure who was lying, but not wanting to send a man home to that sort of reception, and to wreck his marriage.

Sir Graphus

What does it say of the reputation Rupert Murdoch, that he can put 18 witnesses on the stand, and still no-one believes him.

Sir Graphus

Well I thought it was an interesting thread, anyway, Alex. Thanks.

You have spotted something v important; the PM's press secretary is under serious threat here. He'll be under oath.

The Sheridan case is a colourful sideshow (and boy is it colourful); but Coulson's appearance has national importance.

Ian Stewart

I really don't think the media have "barely noticed" this, looks like a bit of wilfull ignorance to me...

Ian Stewart

Although Sheridan does seem to exemplify the Scottish Hard-Lefts ability for producing embarrassing idiots these days.
Hardly an honourable opponent, like Willie Gallagher or Mick Mcgahey, is he?

loveandgarbage

Very many thanks for linking to my post on this.

I remain somewhat surprised that this has been ignored by the London media.

Sheridan's lawyer Aamer Anwar is a very shrewd operator, his counsel will be Maggie Scott QC who was acting for Megrahi during his (ultimately aborted) criminal appeal. This may appear to be posturing but is, I think, absolutely serious - and exposes Coulson to huge risks.

Sheridan's defamation action against the News of the World is based on articles that exemplified News of the World practices. While the Scottish paper has a certain autonomy (and it was Mr Jackie Bird who made the regular appearances in the media) given the prominence with which it featured in the editions it seems unlikely that senior editorial staff at the paper (eg Coulson) were not involved in matters. Even if Coulson was not involved the methodology and practice of the paper seems fair game in identifying where the story came from, how was it sustained? How did the paper find out about various secret meetings (personal and political)? How did the paper find out about certain communications made by the various personalities?

The citation of Coulson will be sensible - and when he appears in court he is then on oath in front of a judge and jury, being examined (and if he is obstructive potentially examined as a hostile witness) by one of the best at cross examination. The likely presiding judge (judging by the court rolls at the minute) is no fan of a prevaricator either - and this then looks like something that is potentially very difficult for Coulson.

Late last week I suggested on twitter that the Scottish courts might finish Coulson at number 10. This is partly due to the above, and the reality that any appearance will keep this story in the news, with the methodology of the News of the World inevitably exposed in the evidence. Perhaps it will take Coulson to get on the plane to Edinburgh to persuade the London media to bother about this. BUt all of the elements inherent in a court case mean that this is surely a much higher risk to him than another parliamentary inquiry, not least the fact that someone will be questioning him - who actually knows how to ask questions, and can pursue a line (with judicial support) until an answer is given.

Aside from that the Sheridan case should be wonderful entertainment.

I can't wait. I do hope The Spectator ensure press passes are available for Mr Massie to attend for regular updates ;-)