Court Told Ex-liberal Leader Plotted Murder (Press, 22 November 1978)

The court hearing regarding former British Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe's alleged involvement in a murder plot commenced in Minehead, England, on 22 November 1978, shifting attention to the United States where pivotal testimony is expected to unfold. Thorpe, now 49, is accused of conspiring to kill Norman Scott, a man who claimed to have had a homosexual relationship with him in the early 1960s. The allegations came to light during an intense court session that has captivated the public's interest. The prosecution outlined the background of the relationship, which began in 1961 when Thorpe met Scott, then a young horse trainer. Following a nervous breakdown, Scott sought assistance from Thorpe, who offered him support and was said to have initiated sexual relations. The alleged sexual encounters continued intermittently until 1963. According to the prosecutor, Thorpe perceived Scott as a potential threat to his political career due to the risk of public exposure of their affair and had made attempts to incentivise Scott to relocate to the United States. The plot purportedly escalated into a murder conspiracy, with the prosecution claiming that Thorpe incited David Holmes, a close associate, to orchestrate Scott's killing. Holmes allegedly reached out to a nightclub owner and a carpet dealer to facilitate the plan, eventually hiring an airline pilot, Andrew Newton, to execute the murder. In October 1975, Newton attempted to lure Scott to a remote location, but the alleged murder was thwarted when either the gun jammed or Newton hesitated, resulting in the failure of the plot. Testimonies revealed that funds used to pay Newton came from millionaire Jack Hayward, misattributed as election support for the Liberal Party. Thorpe is charged alongside Holmes, businessman John le Mesurier, and nightclub owner George Deakin with conspiracy to murder, but none are required to plead at this stage. The prosecution introduced key witness Peter Bessell, a former Liberal MP and close friend of Thorpe. Bessell alleged that during a meeting in 1968, Thorpe openly discussed the necessity of eliminating Scott, referring to it in graphic terms, equating killing him to putting down a sick dog. This conversation was reportedly confirmation of Thorpe's intent to get rid of Scott due to his fears surrounding the revelation of their relationship. Bessell detailed further discussions about the plot in subsequent years, including potential ways to dispose of Scott's body and plans to travel to the United States that would facilitate Scott's murder. Scott's eventual marriage initially raised hopes of resolution, but subsequent developments led to renewed concerns for Thorpe regarding Scott's potential public disclosures. The sensational nature of the case, involving allegations of political corruption, sexual scandal, and attempted murder, has drawn significant media attention and public curiosity, marking it as one of the most sensational trials in Britain during the 20th century. The court proceedings are ongoing, with further revelations anticipated in the coming days.

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