ALEX SALMOND could stand for election to the Scottish Parliament next year after being acquitted of a string of sexual assault charges today. 

Following a two-week trial in Edinburgh, the former First Minister of Scotland was found not guilty of twelve offences, with the jury deciding one charge of sexual assault with intent to rape was not proven in court.

One further charge of sexual assault was withdrawn by the prosecutors.

Mr Salmond had denied all the charges and claimed some were “deliberate fabrications for a political purpose.”

SNP MP Kenny MacAskill said “some resignations” were “now required” following the decision, with other political allies saying Mr Salmond should have his party membership reinstated. 

The party’s Justice and Home Affairs spokeswoman Joanna Cherry called for an independent inquiry into the complaints. 

Speaking outside court, Mr Salmond said: “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.”

The trauma experienced by women during the case was also recognised by MSPs who said that there were “serious concerns” about the government’s handling of complaints. 

Scottish Labour’s Pauline McNeill said: “We wish to acknowledge that this has undoubtedly been a difficult and extremely traumatic time for all involved.

“The verdict of this trial does not take away from the serious concerns about the Scottish government’s handling of this.

“We would expect questions about this to be fully explored during parliamentary scrutiny of this.” 

Rape Crisis Scotland said that many survivors following the case will see it as “a really difficult day.”

The support group said in a statement: “We fear that the nature of the defence in this case which focused on trivialising behaviours that would amount to sexual assault risks turning the clock back on any progress we have made moving towards a better conversation about sexual violence.

“Our message today and every day is to all survivors of sexual harassment, assault and abuse. We believe you. You are not alone and there are so many people on your side. To those women who had the courage to report and speak in court, thank you.”