Thorpe Case: Pakistani Tells Of Cash Payments (Press, 7 December 1978)

In a case unfolding at the Minehead Magistrate's Court in England, a wealthy Parsee from Pakistan, Mr Nadir Dinshau, provided testimony relating to allegations against former Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe and three associates, who are accused of conspiracy to commit murder. The case centres on a plot to kill Mr Norman Scott, a former male model who claims to have had a homosexual relationship with Thorpe, leading to fears of a scandal that Thorpe allegedly sought to suppress. Dinshau testified about transferring significant sums of money, reportedly intended as payments to a hitman hired to execute Scott. These payments, totalling £20,000, were purportedly sourced from Mr Jack Hayward, a millionaire benefactor, who had instructed Thorpe in 1974 to transfer the funds to a Jersey bank account controlled by Dinshau. The Crown presented evidence suggesting that Thorpe had claimed the funds were for election expenses but were actually part of a scheme to eliminate Scott, whom Thorpe allegedly feared could reveal damaging information. The alleged hired assassin, an airline pilot named Andrew Newton, was reportedly paid £5,000 to fulfil the contract on Scott but instead shot and killed Scott's dog, Rinka, in October 1975. During the proceedings, it was disclosed that Newton had previously been jailed in 1976 for the animal's death but did not confess to being involved in a murder conspiracy at that time. Dinshau, a long-time friend of Thorpe, recounted how he became anxious following media scrutiny and police inquiries into Thorpe's activities. He detailed a conversation with Thorpe in 1977 where the politician insisted everything was "above board" but later expressed concern for his political future amid the growing scandal. He recounted a drive around St James's Park during which Thorpe spoke about the fear of his career being jeopardised by revelations regarding party finances. Further evidence was provided by David Miller, a printer who linked Newton to another conspirator, George Deakin. Miller testified to having observed the exchange of cash and involved parties in a Welsh brickyard and admitted to recording conversations for his protection. He faced scrutiny regarding his motivations, especially after receiving substantial payment from media outlets for his stories detailing the incidents. All accused, including Thorpe, have vehemently denied the charges. The court must determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial by judge and jury, as the legal intricacies surrounding the case and the implications on political reputations continue to unfold. The proceedings have drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved and the sensational allegations concerning political scandal, conspiracy, and murder.

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