 Alan McCombes is being held in custody until a week on Tuesday |
Court officials have failed to find documents at the centre of a legal row during a search of the Scottish Socialist Party's offices on Saturday. SSP official Alan McCombes was jailed on Friday for 12 days for refusing to release minutes on the resignation of former leader Tommy Sheridan in 2004.
Judge Lady Smith said he had put party loyalty "above his duty" to the court.
The News of the World had requested the internal party documents to defend a libel case brought by Mr Sheridan.
Jo Harvie, the editor of the SSP newspaper, said four court officials arrived at the offices at midday and examined paperwork for more than three hours.
"They have been very careful about what they are doing, and very methodical," she said.
"We are obviously not pleased about the situation but are co-operating with the court.
When asked if the messengers-at-arms would find the minutes, she said: "No, they are not here."
Confidentiality plea
The messengers-at-arms refused to comment during their search.
An SSP spokesman later confirmed they had left empty-handed.
During a hearing at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Thursday, Mr McCombes' lawyer had argued that giving up the documents would breach confidentiality and his human rights.
On Friday, Lady Smith had granted a News of the World motion and ordered Mr McCombes to hand over "all or any" documents.
When he failed to comply, Lady Smith had ordered Mr McCombes to be held in custody until a week on Tuesday.
She warned him that if he did not change his stance it would be "highly likely" she would make a finding of contempt of court and he would be punished accordingly.
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