THE former director of communications at Number 10 is due to appear in court this week in connection with perjury allegations.

Andy Coulson, 46, is facing charges in relation to his evidence at the 2010 perjury trial of Tommy Sheridan, who was convicted for lying under oath during a civil case against the News of the World. The former editor of the Sunday newspaper was serving as the Prime Minister's chief media adviser when Sheridan called him as a defence witness.

Mr Coulson is expected to appear at the High Court in Glasgow for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.