Tommy Sheridan was arrested by police

Finding Mr Sheridan not guilty, Justice of the Peace Alastair Stirling said he felt mass arrests at peaceful demonstrations should no longer be made.

Mr Stirling said arrests at such demonstrations infringed people's human rights.

Scottish CND said it was delighted and "amazed" by the verdict.

Speaking after the verdict Mr Sheridan said: "I'm very happy with what's clearly been shown here today.

"This is a significant ruling that shows people taking part in peaceful protests against the barbarism of these weapons do not deserve to be arrested.

'Right to protest'

"I hope it demonstrates to all people that the policy of mass arrests is quite simply not good.

"It shows that everyone across Scotland has a right to protest against these horrendous weapons."

The Socialist MSP said he hoped the court's decision would encourage more people to take part in future anti-nuclear demonstrations.

Mr Sheridan and Labour MP George Galloway

Mr Stirling said the arrest highlighted the right of an individual to protest in a peaceful way.

"In every case like this you find witnesses who say the same things," he said.

"The point at issue is how far people are entitled to go to protest and there has got to be shown to be alarm on the part of someone for a crime to be committed.

"Throughout the whole evidence here it appears that everyone at this demonstration behaved in a perfectly proper way and that the authorities were well aware of what is going on.

"I don't feel the policy of mass arrests can continue without a great deal of careful thought to the right of individuals."

Countless courts across Scotland are going to be faced with cases like this

Brian Quail Scottish CND

Mr Stirling said a person's right to protest had been extended because of European "rulings" and changing "attitudes adopted by the Court of Appeal recently".

Brian Quail, joint secretary of Scottish CND, said: "This is an amazing verdict, it's the first time a sheriff court has recognised such a thing.

"It's really quite astonishing. I congratulate Mr Stirling for having the courage and conviction to make the decision.

"Countless courts across Scotland are going to be faced with cases like this and it's amazing to think what sort of moral precedent this will set."