Scottish Socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan is behind bars after handing himself in to police for non-payment of a £250 court fine.

The 36-year-old was convicted at Argyll District Court in Helensburgh last month following an anti-nuclear protest at the Faslane Trident submarine base on 14 February. He was told that if he failed to pay the money he would spend 14 days in jail. The 28-day deadline for the fine to be paid ran out last week and a warrant for his arrest was issued on Friday.

Sheridan went to Dumbarton police station at 2330GMT on Sunday, cheered on by supporters. He said he would return to Faslane on 12 February next year. The Scottish Socialist Party leader is expected to spend the night in a police cell before being transferred to Greenock Prison on Monday morning. Before giving himself up, Sheridan said: "It is important to stand up for a nuclear-free Scotland.

"These weapons are not only inhumane, they are also illegal. It is time for politicians to stand up for change and although prison is unpleasant, sometimes it is necessary to take a stand on issues as important as this one."

The MSP's time in jail could be reduced to seven days for good behaviour and, because of Christmas arrangements, he should be released on Friday 22 December.

Sheridan has spent time in jail in the past. In the early 1990s, as president of the Anti-Poll Tax Federation, he served six months behind bars for breaking an order relating to the non-payment of the community charge.

Going to jail will not affect Sheridan's position as an MSP. His wife Gail, 36, said she was backing her husband in his stand. "I am supporting him 100%," she said. "I'm not apprehensive, he's gone to prison before, he can deal with it again and he'll go to prison again in future if he has to."

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