Tabloid challenges Sheridan to take lie detector test

FIREBRAND politician Tommy Sheridan was yesterday challenged to take a lie detector test by the News of the World, following his dramatic defamation victory over the tabloid.

The newspaper reported three key witnesses who gave evidence against the former Scottish Socialist Party leader during the sensational trial had passed independent polygraph tests.

News of the World columnist Anvar Khan, who claimed she had an affair with the Glasgow MSP, volunteered to be hooked up to the lie detecting machine, it was reported.

Ann Colvin and Helen Allison, who said they saw the 42-year-old in an orgy at a Glasgow hotel, also came forward to be tested about their allegations, according to the paper.

During the trial, Ms Khan, 39, gave evidence that she and Mr Sheridan had been involved in an on-off relationship before and after his marriage to his wife Gail. The journalist also claimed that she and Mr Sheridan had visited Cupid’s swingers club in Manchester together.

Ms Allison and Ms Colvin said in testimony that they had seen Mr Sheridan taking part in a group sex session at the Moat House Hotel in Glasgow in June 2002.

The tests were reported to have been carried out on Friday by polygraph expert Jeremy Barrett and all three women passed, said the newspaper.

Mr Sheridan could not be contacted today for comment on the News of the World’s challenge.

The red top formally lodged its appeal on Friday against the MSP’s defamation victory, under which he was awarded £200,000.

Scottish News of the World editor Bob Bird has labelled the jury’s verdict “perverse” and said it suggested 18 witnesses committed “monstrous” perjury.