In reply to elsewhere:
The problem I have with this is Sheridan was defending himself. He asked a question that was NOT in that trial ruled to be irrelevant, so Coulson answered it ( and lied) .
So the judge in the Sheridan trial was either wrong to allow that question ( on the relevance issue) or this latest judge is wrong.
My view, the latest judge was wrong , and from what I have read he did not even read and take into account the previous judges rulings.
If this had gone to the jury, Coulson would be found guilty. ( as he clearly is,)
He got off on a technicality (in the average honest person's judgement) I would suggest.