ALEX Salmond has said the truth behind his political prosecution will see the light of day as soon as the coronavirus "nightmare" is over.
During the trial Salmond had argued that one of the women who claimed he sexually assaulted her had encouraged others to “exaggerate or make claims” against him in a campaign of “deliberate fabrications for a political purpose”.
Speaking outside the High Court in Edinburgh after the jury cleared him of all charges, the former First Minister made clear that more information, more facts and more evidence would soon come out.
Salmond thanked the jury. He added: "I'd also like to thank the court service have been courteous beyond limit, over the last two weeks and to the police officers, who've manned this trial under these extraordinary circumstance.
"Obviously, above all, I'd like to thank my friends and family for standing by me over the last two years. I'd like to thank my brilliant legal team, who are absolutely exceptional.
"And I'd like to thank all of the people who've sent so many messages over the last 18 months or so, but particularly in recent days.
"As many of you will know, there are certain evidence that I would have liked to have seen led in this trial but for a variety of reasons we were not able to do so.
"At some point that information, that facts, and that evidence will see the light of day.
"But it won't be this day, and it won't be this day for a very good reason. And that is, whatever nightmare I've been in over these last two years it is as of nothing compared to the nightmare that every single one of us is currently living through. People are dying, many more are going to die."
Addressing directly the journalists and photographers outside the court, Salmond said: "What we are doing just now, and I know you've got a job to do, is not safe. I know it's your job but is aint safe.
"And my strong, strong advice to you is to go home, those who can are able to, take care of your families. And God help us all."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article