Sheridans claim harassment as Gail suspended over alleged theft

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Gail Sheridan, the wife of former Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan, is the victim of police harassment, her lawyer claimed yesterday.

Ms Sheridan, 44, has been suspended from her cabin crew job by British Airways during investigations into the alleged theft of miniatures of alcohol.

"Gail Sheridan has a 23-year unblemished record with British Airways, whom she has represented as part of their promotional team, as well as serving as a shop steward and now as a senior cabin crew member," said Amer Anwar, the Sheridans' lawyer.

"She firmly believes she is now a victim of harassment and intolerable behaviour from Lothian and Borders Police and sections of the press. Both Mr and Mrs Sheridan are determined to prove their innocence and will not be intimidated or bullied by Lothian and Borders Police."

Lothian and Borders Police confirmed that a 44-year-old woman had been arrested and charged and said a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal. It would not comment on claims in some newspapers that alcohol miniatures were found at the Sheridans' home by officers investigating perjury allegations.

British Airways confirmed a member of its cabin crew had been suspended.

Mr Sheridan, 43, was charged with perjury in December 16 months after he won his £200,000 libel action against the News of The World. His father-in-law, Angus Healy, 71, and three colleagues who backed him in the trial have also been charged.