A TOP SCOTTISH university has been criticised after perjurer Tommy Sheridan was invited to be a guest lecturer for first year students.
The former Glasgow MSP, addressed social work students at Glasgow Caledonian University earlier this year, on electronic tagging as part of their course.
A university source said it was “surprising” the convicted criminal was approached and hoped the decision was made in an “open and transparent” way.
Mr Sheridan, a one-time convener of the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP), famously sued the now defunct News of the World tabloid over claims he was a swinger who had attended Cupid’s sex cube in Manchester.
He won the 2006 defamation case but conflicting evidence during the trial led to a police investigation into whether any witnesses had lied under oath.
Mr Sheridan was found guilty of perjury in 2010 and sentenced to three years in prison.
He addressed students as part of the “skills, technology and social work” module.
He spoke of his experience of wearing a tag, as well as answering questions on a range of issues including his Big Brother stint.
Mr Sheridan’s sister Lynn is listed as a social work lecturer at the University, but a spokesman for the organisations said she had not invited her brother.
Asked who did invite Mr Sheridan, the spokesman said: “I don’t give out the names of staff members.”
A university insider criticised the invitation: “It is surprising that a perjurer, who is unrepentant about his crime, was allowed to address a group of students on this professionally accredited course.
“I would hope that the decision to give Mr Sheridan this opportunity was done in an open and transparent way, using proper universities procedures.”
After he appeared on the BBC supporting a Yes vote in next year’s referendum, SNP Cabinet Secretary John Swinney, described Sheridan as a “man who has no political credibility whatsoever.”
His anti-bedroom tax campaign was also criticised by SNP councillor Billy McAllister as a “shambolic movement, which Tommy instigated and organised so he could be chair.”
A spokesman for Glasgow Caledonian University said: “Mr Sheridan, who was released from prison in January 2012…spoke to students about his experience of wearing an electronic tag – an example of the restrictive use of technology.
“Trained social workers are expected to work with those who have been fitted with such devices and Mr Sheridan offered an insight into the issues surrounding the use of restrictive technology from a service-users perspective.”
Mr Sheridan did not receive payment for his service and was unavailable for comment.
