Thorpe-case ‘hired Killer’ To Give Evidence This... (Press, 28 November 1978)

The trial of former British Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe continues in Minehead, where he faces serious charges of incitement and conspiracy to murder. The prosecution's key witness this week is an unemployed airline pilot named Andrew Newton. Newton asserts that he was hired to kill Norman Scott, a homosexual male model, to protect Thorpe from the potential fallout of their alleged affair, which Thorpe has vehemently denied. Thorpe, now 49, was the leader of the Liberal Party from 1967 to 1976, and claims that no such affair or conspiracy ever took place. The prosecution argues that Thorpe feared Scott's assertions about their relationship would jeopardise his political career. The trial has drawn significant media attention, with extensive reports and witness testimonies from various international locations. Newton, who has a criminal history, had already served time for an incident involving Scott where he drove him to the remote Exmoor hills in October 1975 and shot dead Scott's Great Dane, Rinka, using a borrowed Mauser gun. Prosecutors now suggest that Newton was actually contracted for £10,000 to assassinate Scott but failed in the attempt, possibly due to a malfunctioning gun or because he hesitated. Expected to take the stand soon is Scott himself, who has also been at the centre of this highly publicised case. The trial has already experienced disruptions, including a bomb hoax that led to an early adjournment. This incident occurred while testimony was being given by Jack Hayward, a millionaire from the Bahamas who has financially supported the Liberal Party. The prosecution alleges that Hayward was unwittingly involved, believing that the funds he provided were being used for legitimate party expenses, while part of it was allegedly diverted to pay Newton. Thorpe is not alone in facing these grave charges; he is joined by three other individuals: David Holmes, John le Mesurier, and George Deakin, all of whom have denied the accusations. Meanwhile, Thorpe remains free on bail and has been spending his weekends at his country home in Cobbaton, North Devon, where he has been enjoying time with his wife and son. The local press has been covering the trial extensively, even documenting lighter moments such as an interview with a relative of the deceased dog, Rinka, who offered a dismissive comment about the incident. The case continues to capture public interest, with the court's proceedings viewed as one of the most significant legal events in Britain.

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