Scotland’s former first minister Alex Salmond has been acquitted on a number of sexual assault charges including one of attempted rape.
He has been standing trial for the past 11 days at the High Court in Edinburgh and a jury have cleared him on all charges.
Speaking outside of court Alex Salmond said: "Just over a year ago when we finished the civil act judicial review I said I had great faith in the court system of Scotland.
"That faith has been much reinforced today, so I'd like to start by explaining 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 past two weeks and the police officers who have manned this trial in 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 think my brilliant legal team who are absolutely exceptional and I'd like to thank all of the people who have sent so many messages over the last 18 months or so but particularly over the last few days.
"There is 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.
"Those facts will see the light but it won't be this day."
"Whatever nightmare I've been in over this last two years, this is nothing compared to the nightmare that we are currently living through.
People are dying and many more are going to die. What we are doing just now, and I know you've got a job to, it ain't safe, I know its your job but it ain't safe.
"Those who can should go come and take care of their families - and god help us all."
