THE SHERIDAN DEFAMATION CASE
( SCOTLAND )
This case has attracted much interest in the UK . Mr . Tommy Sheridan , the former leader of the Scottish Socialist Party , successfully sued News Group Newspapers ( a subsidiary of News International ) , publisher of the News of the World , over articles about his private life published in November 2004 . ( timesonline.co.uk ) He has been awarded the maximum amount of 200,000 Pounds . It would appear that the Court did not accept the evidence of witnesses called for the paper .
The tabloid ran a story saying he cheated on his wife , took part in orgies and used cocaine . The paper called him a " spanking swinger " . ( www.hamiltonspectator.com ) Other claims were that he had " attended a swingers’ club and asked to be spanked with red PVC gloves " ( timesonline.co.uk ) and ( From the www.dailyrecord.co.uk ) :
Fiona McGuire said the former Scottish Socialist Party leader liked to be dominated during sleazy sessions when they used sex toys on each other and she tied him up and whipped him .
McGuire , whose escort name was " Christy Babe , " said the MSP wanted her to smack him and talk dirty .
Asked if Sheridan liked being whipped , McGuire replied : " Yes , a just a little bit and nothing too harsh . Just the top of his legs . "
As usual , most of the coverage of this case prominently featured the words " spank " or " spanking " . The story , even if it had been proved to be true , had little to do with spanking . The " spanking " aspects of the case would have been actions between consenting adults and really nobody else's concern . This contrasts with the case PASTOR CHARGED WITH SPANKING , which concerns a minor who was unjustly punished .
Fiona McGuire has violated the only universally accepted rule among professionals , NEVER TELL .
( Katrine Trolle , another " witness " . )
