Tommy Sheridan, the former member of the Scottish Parliament, has been sentenced to three years in prison for perjury.
The substantial custodial sentence comes despite Sheridan's plea for leniency for the sake of his family.
The former Scottish Socialist Party leader spoke in mitigation for about an hour, during which time he claimed backroom lawyers and journalists with an agenda had already plotted his fate.
The 46-year-old accused the media of "baying" the judge to make an example of him and criticised the News of the World for having the power and the money to destroy people's lives with immunity.
However, when judge Lord Bracadale arrived for sentencing, he told Sheridan: "You brought the walls of the temple crashing down on your head, on your political friends and foes alike and on your family."
Sheridan was found guilty after a three-month trial that ended two days before Christmas and had been told to expect a prison term.
Many observers had predicted a four-year sentence, the same length of time that Jeffrey Archer received for perjury in 2001.
However, Sheridan pointed out to the court that he had been convicted of far less charges than Lord Archer.
The Scottish politician was convicted of having lied in court during a case in 2006, when he successfully sued the News of the World for £200,000.
The newspaper had published stories claiming the politician was involved in a string of affairs and had visited a swingers' club in Manchester.
It has never paid the damages as the award remains the subject of an appeal.
In a first for a Scottish court, journalists were permitted to report from inside the courtroom using Twitter, following a request by Sky News.
Among the evidence presented to the jury against Sheridan was the testimony of former colleagues in the Scottish Socialist Party.
They testified that he had confessed his indiscretions to them during a party meeting. He branded them "scabs" and the former friends are now sworn enemies.
Colin Fox, the current SSP leader who gave evidence against his predecessor, told Sky: "This wasn't a victimless crime. There are dozens of families that he's besmirched the name of.
"More than that, there are hundreds of thousands of working people in Scotland who voted for, supported and invested their hopes in the Scottish Socialist Party. He's done his level best to destroy it."
Tommy Sheridan's wife, who was acquitted of perjury during last month's trial, has hinted she may stand for her husband's new party Solidarity at May's Scottish elections.
Source : http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Tommy-Sheridan-In-Court-For-Perjury-Sentencing-After-News-Of-The-World-Case/Article/201101415911207?lpos=UK_News_Carousel_Region_1&lid=ARTICLE_15911207_Tommy_Sheridan_In_Court_For_Perjury_Sentencing_After_News_Of_The_World_Case