‘I had great faith in the court system...’

Just over a year ago, when we finished the civil action, the judicial review, I said I had great faith in the court system of Scotland, and that faith has been much reinforced today.

‘I would like to start by explaining [sic] that faith and thanking the jury for their decision. I’d also like to thank the court service who have been courteous beyond limit over the last weeks and the police officers who have manned this trial under these extraordinary circumstances.

‘Obviously, above all I would like to thank my friends and family for standing by me over the last two years. I would like to thank my brilliant legal team, they are absolutely exceptional. And I would like to thank all the people who have sent so many messages over the last 18 months or so, but particularly in recent weeks and days.

‘As many of you will know, there is certain evidence that I would like 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, those 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.

‘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 it ain’t safe.

‘And my strong, strong advice to you is to go home, those who can and are able to, take care of your families, and God help us all.